Altri libri che potrebbero interessarti

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  Hubble Space Telescope and James...

  Editors Charles River

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  By the time the Hubble telescope reached orbit, it was already the world’s most famous telescope, but it was also the most scorned. The telescope cost nearly $2 billion more to complete than anticipated, and to make matters worse, the first images it sent back were skewed. However, within about a year of fixing it, the telescope captured images of a major event in the solar system. In July 1994, the telescope provided a firsthand observation of a comet, Shoemaker-Levy 9, breaking apart and slamming into Jupiter. The comet broke into about two dozen pieces, some of them more than a mile wide, and hit the giant planet with the force of millions of atomic bombs.In addition to capturing the streaking comet breaking up and colliding with Jupiter, the telescope captured images of the impact marks that were left on Jupiter’s surface, helping astronomers study Jupiter’s atmosphere and debris left by major impacts. 
  The increase in excitement was palpable. Scientists had viewed much of the universe through Hubble, almost as it was when it was formed, but they learned that none of these galaxies were the first ones formed. Then ultimately realized that “Hubble wasn’t the right instrument to detect those first galaxies.” “The farther we can see in space, the farther we can see in time…and that’s not a metaphor. That’s actually literally true,” explained scientist Amber Straughn. The Webb Space Telescope represents “looking in a part of space that we’ve never seen before.” The telescope will be able to detect the earliest galaxies because of its unparalleled sensitivity. Another factor is the kind of light it will collect, “light that our eyes aren’t designed to see.”

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  Creative Evolution

  Henri Bergson

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  Henri Bergson’s highly influential book, ‘Creative Evolution’ (‘Evolution Creatrice’, 1907) established a theory of evolution - called ‘Creative Evolution Theory’ - which gained a considerable following in the first half of the 20th Century. It also helped the author to win the Nobel Prize in 1927 for his work investigating the origins of biological information and divergence in the evolutionary process.  
   
  In this work, Bergson seeks an alternative explanation as to how new forms of life emerge compared to those prevailing at the time. This included both the ‘mechanistic’ or deterministic explanations of biological science on the one hand, and on the other the ‘finalist’ or strictly teleological explanation of those who believed in the hand of a ‘Creator’ or God, coordinating life in a divine plan. 
   
  Creative Evolution proposes a third explanation in what Bergson calls élan vital’ or ‘vital impetus’, a force that infuses all matter and drives it forward into an ever-changing and infinite variety of living forms. This appears as a vital impetus that can also be related to humanity’s own creative life force. Bergson’s book builds on his ‘Theory of Time’ as set forth in works such as ‘Matter and Memory’ and ‘Time and Free Will’.  In these works, and in the present volume, Bergson sees continuous ‘duration’ as real time, as opposed to the way in which time is divided up into measured units by the ‘organising’ mind of science. 
   
  Life, as we really experience it, is subject to constant change and our tendency to explain evolutionary change by looking only at ‘ends’ achieved rather than the processes by which they emerge, divorces us from the life force itself.  
   
  Instead, Bergson feels we need to reengage with our instincts as well as with our intelligence in order to understand the evolutionary process, as both co-exist to some extent within us, all forms of life having a common origin in that instinctual, innate knowledge of simpler life forms. Though these may be unconscious or semi-conscious, they are, in Bergson’s view, much more in touch with the ever-changing nature of real time than the analytical and rational knowledge of our species 
   
  As he writes:  “Our thought, in its purely logical form, is incapable of presenting the true nature of life, the full meaning of the evolutionary movement. Created by life, in definite circumstances, to act on definite things, how can it embrace life, of which it is only an emanation or an aspect?”  
   
  It is to attempt an answer to this question that ‘Creative Evolution’ directs its attention.

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  Invisibility - The History and...

  Gregory J. Gbur

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  A lively exploration of how invisibility has gone from science fiction to fact 
   
   
   
  Is it possible for something or someone to be made invisible? This question, which has intrigued authors of science fiction for over a century, has become a headline-grabbing topic of scientific research. 
   
   
   
  In this book, science writer and optical physicist Gregory J. Gbur traces the science of invisibility from its sci-fi origins in the nineteenth-century writings of authors such as H. G. Wells and Fitz James O'Brien to modern stealth technology, invisibility cloaks, and metamaterials. He explores the history of invisibility and its science and technology connections, including the discovery of the electromagnetic spectrum, the development of the atomic model, and quantum theory. He shows how invisibility has moved from fiction to reality, and he questions the hidden paths that lie ahead for researchers. 
   
   
   
  This is not only the story of invisibility but also the story of humankind's understanding of the nature of light itself, and of the many fascinating figures whose discoveries advanced this knowledge.

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  Snakes - Essential Snake Care...

  Angie Tracks

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  Snakes have fascinated humans for centuries, evoking a mix of awe and curiosity. With their sleek, sinuous bodies and mysterious behaviors, they are often misunderstood and feared. However, as exotic pets, snakes offer a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of the animal kingdom in a way that few other pets can. This chapter aims to provide an introduction to snakes as pets, explore why they are an excellent choice for certain pet owners, and outline the key considerations before deciding to bring a snake into your home. 
  The appeal of snakes as pets has grown significantly over the years. Unlike traditional pets such as dogs or cats, snakes are relatively low-maintenance creatures that do not require constant attention. They don’t need daily walks, grooming, or feeding multiple times a day. This makes them ideal for people with busy lifestyles or those who prefer a pet that does not demand much interaction. Additionally, snakes come in a wide variety of species, each with its own unique characteristics, colors, and sizes. This diversity means that potential snake owners can find a species that matches their preferences and available space. 
  However, despite their advantages, keeping a snake is not without its challenges. They require specific care, such as the correct habitat setup, temperature control, and feeding schedule. A proper understanding of their needs is crucial to ensure the snake’s health and well-being. In this book, we will guide you through everything you need to know to become a successful snake owner, from selecting the right species to providing the ideal environment and handling your snake safely.

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  Aquarium - Saltwater and...

  Tim Fenders

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  Aquariums are more than just glass boxes filled with water and fish; they are windows into vibrant underwater worlds teeming with life, color, and beauty. Whether you're a curious beginner with a fascination for aquatic ecosystems or someone seeking a relaxing and rewarding hobby, this book is your gateway to the captivating universe of freshwater and saltwater aquariums. 
  Aquariums offer a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world from the comfort of your home. They provide insight into the intricacies of aquatic life and the delicate balance required to sustain it. Beyond their educational value, aquariums are a source of serenity and wonder. Watching fish gracefully glide through crystal-clear waters and observing the lush growth of aquatic plants can be therapeutic and calming. 
  Aquarium enthusiasts often face a crucial decision when starting their journey: should they venture into the world of freshwater aquariums or embrace the challenges and wonders of saltwater environments? 
  Questions like these are being answered in this book. It is the ultimate guide for people who are starting out enthusiastically and don't know where to begin.

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  Information Theory and Coding...

  Daniel Garfield

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  "Information Theory and Coding for Beginners: An Introduction to the Principles and Applications of Data Compression and Error Correction" is a comprehensive guide to the field of Information Theory and Coding. Written for readers with little to no background in this area, this book offers a clear and engaging introduction to the principles and applications of data compression and error correction. 
  The book covers the fundamentals of Information Theory, including basic concepts and terminology, Shannon's Information Theory, and compression and transmission rates. It then explores source coding techniques, such as Huffman Coding, Arithmetic Coding, and Lempel-Ziv-Welch Coding, as well as lossy compression methods like Transform Coding and Predictive Coding. The book also covers channel coding techniques, including error detection and correction methods like Parity Checking, Checksums, and Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC), and error-correcting codes like Block Codes, Convolutional Codes, Turbo Codes, and LDPC Codes. 
  Through a series of real-world applications, the book illustrates the importance of Information Theory and Coding in data compression and error correction for various fields, including wireless communication, optical communication, and storage systems. It also examines emerging trends and technologies in the field, such as Quantum Information Theory, Network Coding, and Machine Learning in Coding. 
  "Information Theory and Coding for Beginners" provides a comprehensive and accessible guide to the principles and applications of data compression and error correction. With clear explanations, real-world examples, and practical applications, this book is an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the fundamental principles of Information Theory and Coding. 
   

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