Reviews (48)

I never understood flight until I read this book
Amazing Book. there were so many small nagging questions I had on the art of flying...and this book clarified those doubts.I have read so many books on flying, watched so many videos on flight. My flight insructor has taught me flying...but this one was the glue that put it all together.
Be patient and you will learn
Let's start with a fact: I am a pilot.
The Amway of flying books - save your $$
Remember Amway has a cult following too - even today, they are the largest online seller of health & beauty.
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Subjects:  1. Aeronautics & Astronautics    2. Aviation - Piloting & Flight Instruction    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Technology    5. Transportation    6. Aerospace & aviation technology    7. Aircraft: general interest    8. Flying as a recreation    9. Technology / Aeronautics & Astronautics   

Reviews (3)

Good, but not Great
This book is the third edition of the author's previous work and is the collective writings from dozens of engineers who specialize in spacecraft systems design, space mission definition and operations and testing as well as a variety of other topics.While this book provides an excellent general overview of a variety of topics and the basics for designing and developing a space mission, more specialized materials are needed to develop specialized spacecraft systems, such as Guidance and Navigation.It is important to note that this book is geared to unmanned satellites and space probes and there is little material related to manned spaceflight.
Good and bad
I teach a Space Systems Engineering class and have used this book as a class text.I've found it to be both good and bad. Outstanding inclusive text on satellites
This is an outstanding text covering all aspects of space missions and satellites.Orbital geometries, payload design, spacecraft design, subsystems, communications, operations, propulsion, launch systems,reliability.You name it, it's covered.It has become a valuable andindispensable resource in my personal library! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aeronautics & Astronautics    2. Technology & Industrial Arts    3. Technology / Aeronautics & Astronautics    4. Design and construction    5. Planning    6. Space flight    7. Space vehicles    8. Technology   

Reviews (7)

Awesome Airplane Design Reference
One of the best airplane design books out there.I rank it with Torenbeek and Roskam.I refer to it during my design studies as well as my students.

Great book
I'm a second-year aerospace engineering student and after searching for books that would tell me exactly why I'm learning what I am, this one was recommended to me. The author explains how and why designers do what they do, and even has a handwritten design example in the back. I bought the RDS software with this book, and am still figuring it out. If you do get the RDS, don't expect a Windows interface. Think DOS. At least it's not a system hog.

Necessary Starting Point to Understanding Aircraft Design
This is an excellent, and for the time being the authoratative, book about aircraft design. For anyone who wants to become an aerospace engineer reading a book like this should put any type of work they'll do in the proper context.
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Subjects:  1. Aeronautics & Astronautics    2. Aircraft Design And Construction    3. Airplanes    4. Aviation - General    5. Design and construction    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Transportation    8. Aerospace & aviation technology    9. Technical design   

Reviews (55)

Awesome
If your into knowing more about the big picture this is the book/dvd to do it. Very scientific in nature but interesting to average folk.

The Special, and Intelligently Designed "Pale Blue Dot"
Co-authored by two Discovery Institute Fellows, astronomer Guillermo Gonzalez and philosopher Jay W. Richards, The Privileged Planet presents a new form of design argument which can be applied to the level of the cosmos. Design proponents have long held that the physical constants of nature and properties of our solar system appear finely tuned and specified to allow for advanced life.But Richards and Gonzalez take this argument to a new level by arguing that the same set of circumstances which permit advanced life are also optimized for a range of scientific discoveries.
Well written theories
This book examines the history of scientific discovery and scientific thought related to the cosmos, our place in it, and the origins of life, and argues that our presence on this planet is innately intertwined with our awareness of the cosmos at large.Specifically, the authors argue that the conditions that make a planet conducive to producing technologically advanced life forms such as ourselves are essentially identical to the conditions needed to explore the world and the space around it.These conditions include the type and age of star, the number, type and orbits of the other planets, the presence of a satellite (our Moon) of a specific size, composition, and orbit, a location within a specific area of the Milky Way Galaxy, being located within a galaxy of a specific type, age, and location in the universe, and being in a universe where the various physical constants (gravity, electron mass, electron charge, etc...) have just the right values.The book also examines the validity of various philosophies relating to man's and Earth's place in the heavens.This book is not a direct argument for the existence of God, or some grand creator.It is an argument for order, in that it shows that the geological and cosmological factors needed for technologically advanced life such as ourselves are not that common in our galaxy, and hence advanced life itself might not be that common.All in all a great book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cosmology    2. Discoveries in science    3. Earth    4. General    5. Philosophy & Social Aspects    6. Planets    7. Religion & Science    8. Science    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Solar systems    11. Popular astronomy    12. Popular science    13. Science / General   

Reviews (7)

Extratestrial Contact is real!!!
I thought Dr. Greer did a good job of organizing the various types of evidence supporting Alien interaction with our world. From scientists to engineers and really a complete cross section of our society and its abilities to observe the hidden world of Alien interaction.
The Truth Is Right Here With Dr. Greer
I have been searching for the real truth about UFO and ET since my childhood (1970~), so far what I found was a mess and confusion; bad ET, good ET, alien invasion, abduction, mutilation, science fiction movies, etc... you know the rest. This isn't even good science fiction
Occasionally, I like to get off the beaten path of my usual scientific reading and see what is happening in the arena of UFO research, which I believe is a phenomenon that is still open to question.I had understood that Steven Greer was at the forefront of this reasearch, so I was eager to pick up a copy of his book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit / UFOs    2. Science/Mathematics    3. Body, Mind & Spirit    4. Conspiracies    5. Controversial Knowledge    6. Controversial Knowledge - Aliens    7. Extraterrestrial beings    8. Federal Government    9. UFOs    10. United States   

Reviews (10)

A beautiful book to help plan your next lunar adventure
-This book is a beautiful complement to a photographic atlas or description.I was surprised to find how this graphically drawn atlas seems easier to use than a photographic one, even if the accuracy cannot be quite as good -- photos do not always look like the view in the telescope, they are far harsher, and the shading often affects your perception enough to confuse some features (the author did include photos of some of the more prominent features).The book obviously shows considerable love for the science and patience, which are terrific qualities for any observer to take to the eyepiece.
Awesome guide to have on hand!
Being a Moon-lover, this book is a treasure to me. The text and charts are all first class, my only complaint being that any distances and sizes are given in metric not standard notation.

The standard for lunar atlases
If you are a serious lunar observer, this book belongs on your shelf.An absolute must since so many other refferences rely on it.The problem of red ink has been corrected in this edition.Get two copies: one for scope-side use, the other as a desk refference. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - General    2. General    3. Reference    4. Science   

Reviews (3)

Expensive, but worth it
This is a really expensive paperback, but it should have an honored place in your home, next to your dictionary, your atlas, your Roget's Thesaurus and your Holy Bible, Koran or any other book that is important to you.
A good college text for non-science majors
This book seems to have two goals. One is to teach the reader something about astrobiology. The other is to be a text for a science course for college undergraduates (in most cases, underclassmen majoring in something other than science).
A Very Delightful Book
This is the ONE Science Textbook I will keep forever and ever. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - General    2. Exobiology    3. Life    4. Origin    5. Physics    6. Science    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Science / Physics   

Reviews (20)

Universe Review
What an excellent book ! Full of up todate information (this is pre-Pluto's demotion), graphics and pictures.The book is divided up in to easy to read sections, not overly technical and covers everything from the history of astronomy, the solar system, deep space, NASA expeditions,a section on night sky charts and lots more.
The fundamental knowledge and more....
Universe gives you a fundamental knowledge on the subject of astronomy, this book gives you more than just a repedative walkthrough about the inner and the outer heavenly bodies. This book goes all the way, by making the vast astronomical sciences accesible for everyone intersested on the subject.
UNIVERSE
The binding is typical DK which is less substantial than other books in the price range, but the content is incredible.No need for any other book on the subject. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy (General)    2. Astronomy - General    3. Astronomy - Universe    4. Astrophysics & Space Science    5. Children's 9-12 - Science    6. Cosmology    7. Planets    8. Popular works    9. Reference    10. Science    11. Science/Mathematics    12. Science / Astrophysics & Space Science   

Reviews (39)

Turn Left at Orion - Beginners Astronomy
The book was just what I wanted, reasonably priced, and promptly delivered.So far, reading it has been very informative and I want to dig into it more soon.

Excellent
Make this the first book you buy for anyone with a telescope. It is user friendly, well written and illustrated, and will ignite a passion for chasing the beautiful objects scattered through the night sky. Also useful is the guide on interesting Southern Hemisphere objects, including those in the LMC and SMC.
Turn left at Orion and you'll be right with the stars
I purchased this book and the Backyard Astronomers book at the same time.I use them both.......a lot!!This book is great because it gives you sky views (drawings not pictures) that really give you an idea of what to expect when looking up at the sky with unaided eye or through a telescope.The description that accompanies the objects of interest are well written and thought provoking. As a newbie to backyard astronomy I couldn't be more satisfied by the information I've received from this book. As others have stated, this book is a great astronomy starter book, but will inevitably be a life time companion for all of your night sky viewing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Astronomy    3. Astronomy - General    4. Astronomy - Star Guides    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Astronomy--Amateurs' manuals    8. Cosmology & the universe    9. Popular astronomy    10. Science / Astronomy   

Reviews (9)

Essential reading for the GA Instrument pilot
As a CFI I have numerous books in my aviation library. This book details flying in weather and the mindset required to be a safe and competent instrument pilot.
Dealing with the weather
Not a lesson on meteorology; more of a lesson on judgment and decision-making. In other words, how does one deal with the weather? What does one do with the information one has?
"The sky is my office"
It is hard to imagine a pilot with more weather flying experience than Captain Robert Buck. And much of this flying was in the old days: in the early years of the Army Air Corp and a young company called TWA. Much of this flying was accomplished without the assistance of modern instrumentation. Captain Buck travelled the world seeking the most ornery weather he could find, and then flew into it time and time again, compiling the experience and collecting the data that no one else had at the time. Captain Buck shares that experience here. This book is interesting and engaging to the flying enthusiast, essential to the VFR pilot, and absolutely priceless to the aspiring instrument pilot. Every discipline and every pastime has its classics, and WEATHER FLYING is, without a doubt, one of the classics of aviation.
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Subjects:  1. Aeronautics & Astronautics    2. Air Sports    3. Aviation - Piloting & Flight Instruction    4. General    5. Meteorology In Aeronautics    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Transportation    8. Aerospace & aviation technology    9. Air sports & recreations    10. Transportation / Aviation / Piloting & Flight Instruction   

Editorial Review

As a boy, Brian Greene read Albert Camus' Read more

Reviews (166)

Amazed Every Time I Pick Up the Book
Greene's easy-to-comprehend summary of physics up to now (2005) is a great read for everyone who is interested in what goes on behind the scenes of our everyday world. It's also a must-read for people who liked to be in awe of the knowledge that modern physicists are uncovering and how much more there is to know. If you thought you had a pretty good understanding of how the world and universe works (outside of physics), this book will boggle your mind.
get out your calculator and triginomitry book..
I bought this book after watching the show on the discovery channel. I think the author did a great job of explaining something highly complex in the world of physics, how ever; the mathmatical fomulas in this book are out of my grasp, unless you have a solid college background in mathmatics the formulas will read more like gooble-de-gook..which is unfortunate becuase the concepts of the string theory are based on the formulas. If you are math savy this will be a great read. If you aren't than you may quickly become dissatisfied with the book . It refers to ther formulas through out the book.. good luck, best of reading. Mercy W.

Thorough treatment of physics for non-physicists
This is certainly the best book I've read on physics.It's highly readable and IMO far more comprehensive and comprehensible than A Briefer History of Time (which is in its own right a good book, but this was more enjoyable to read, and contained a lot more information and instruction).
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Subjects:  1. Astronomy - Universe    2. Cosmology    3. Cosmology (Astronomy)    4. Physics    5. Popular works    6. Science    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Cosmology & the universe    9. Science / Physics   

Reviews (2)

Most authoritative and rigorous treatment of ACS I've seen.
Provides the only text I have seen on quaternion math and its relation to more traditional attitude matrices and Euler dynamics. The presentation allows algorithm generation without too much fuss, and it is rigorous butnot to a fault. Definitely graduate level reference material for practicingACS engineers. I have found it indispensable.

*The* authoritative text on the subject
This book is intended for technical professionals, who want an exhaustive mathematical and geometric reference to the techniques of spacecraft attitude determination and attitude control.Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied    2. Astrophysics & Space Science    3. Engineering - Automotive    4. Science    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Space science    8. Technology / Engineering / Automotive   

Reviews (22)

Try thinking relativistically
Being this text was published in 1984, I am puzzled more students have not studied it and formed an opinion on it. Anyhow, let me say 'the key to thinking relativistically is to have all the necessary pieces in order.' This is because, if he's disciplined, each student of relativity will have mastered one piece. There are no authors who have mastered two. For example, Nigel Calder's Einstein's Universe is extraordinary, but it does not contain the mathematics B. F. Schutz has skillfully presented to the reader in this text, yet
Should have been my first GR book!
I got to this book after I had read several GR texts.
Great complement to advanced texts
Like any difficult subject, there is no single textbook that will help you master GR.The serious student of GR will ultimately have to tackle books like Wald, MTW, and Hawking and Ellis.But Schutz is an excellent complement to those advanced texts, especially for someone learning GR for the first time.
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Subjects:  1. Astrophysics    2. General relativity (Physics)    3. Nuclear Physics    4. Relativity    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. General relativity    8. Science / Cosmology   

Reviews (55)

Perspective from Pluto
As I write this review, scientists around the world are in one more tizzy about whether Pluto is a planet, and exactly what a planet is.
Let's take the first steps
This book really focuses on something I believe is of uttermost importance for human kind: our long-term survival as a species and the essential role of space exploration. Many ideas and facts presented in Pale Blue Dot have already been expressed elsewhere, not least in science-fiction, but here they are collected and presented to us in a formidable way, with the focus on the potentially new era awaiting us where we would finally quit our Earth cocoon and start expanding through the Universe. As a scientist, I believe that this is a realistic view even if it definitely won't happen in our lifetimes. Sagan gives very convicing arguments why it is necessary to take the first steps in this direction: now, without delay!

A great sequel to Cosmos
The title of this book refers to Earth- all that our planet is in the big scheme of things is a Pale Blue Dot, as photographed by the Voyager spacecraft, departing our solar system. It's very humbling. Sagan went before his time, and didn't even get to see the landing of Mars Pathfinder in 1997, but that mission was renamed "The Sagan Memorial Mars Station." Whereas Cosmos talked about the past and future of space travel, this book talks about the future. It's written 20 years after "Cosmos" so builds upon what that book says. It used many charts and interesting pictures and graphs. This is better than "Cosmos" in my opinion, and is my favorite book ever. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exploration    2. Outer space    3. Popular works    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Space Exploration    6. Popular astronomy    7. Science / General   

Reviews (2)

Explorations
This book is very detailed and the CD-Rom has excellent pictures.The only downfall is that the mathmatical functions are not detailed enough for me.

up to date introduction
A very solid, and up to date discussion of modern astronomy. Well suited for undergraduate astronomy majors taking a first course. You get a coherent formulation of our best understanding of galaxy formation on a cosmological scale. And also how first and second generation stars appear and evolve. Then, within a stellar system, how planets can condense out of gas.
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Subjects:  1. Astronomy - General    2. Science    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Astrophysics    5. Science / Astronomy   

Editorial Review

Zecharia Sitchen's Read more

Reviews (148)

A very interesting hypothetical explanation of our creation/evolution?
Sitchin's theories are very interesting. He asserts that we (the human race) may be the result of a genetic engineering project undertaken to breed a race of slaves-supposedly engineered by combining the genetic material of an extraterrestrial race with that of indigenous primates. Fascinating theory. His evidence lies mainly in the interpretation of sumerian cuneiform hieroglyphics. He also does a good job of illustrating the parallels and origin, in and of respectively, all major contemporary religious systems.
THE 12TH PLANET
ZECHARIA STICHIN HAS AN ANSWER FOR MOST OF THE HISTORICAL ENIGMA'S THAT HAVE PUZZLED MANKIND TO THIS DAY. HE USUALLY HAS AT LEAST TWO REFRENCES OF WRITTEN HISTORY TO CORABORATE HIS HYPOTISES AND, MUCH OF THE TIMETHE BIBLE MAKES THE THIRD. IT TAKES LIFE, AND THE HISTORY OF US AS HUMAN BEINGS TO A NEW PERSPECTIVE. HIS SIX BOOK SERIES "THE EARTH CHRONICLES" IS OUTSTANDING! A MUST READ FOR FREE THINKERS.

Ontology
Z.Sitchin only interprets what he is reading. The "SEMANTICS" of our own Americanized English creates misunderstanding everyday...what does one think writings over 5,000 years will do? Especially, in a language by all accounts that is a dead language. This book gets 7 stars because it challenges the mainstream inexcusable belief system. Most people are spoon fed history never even questioning whether if it can be proven or not. Any "theory" can be invalidated. Since history is filled with supposition and conjecture, how can one embrace what one holds to be truth without empirical evidence? We can believe, think, even guess or for that matter ridicule our way at the truth but in the end we are no more wiser than a scholar who interprets ancients writings. Its a shame that people have to tear this man down using the guise of reviews. I think that Z. Sitchin in earnest pieces together a history that has been scattered. I also believe that the very thought that GOD is not some omnipotent/omniscient intelligence scares the hell out of people. In all fairness these writings are not Hollywood science fictions to be disregarded like some outrageous tabloids we find at the checkout line. These writings are hewn in stone set back in a time when the paradigm of that civilization can now only be understood if not in part by these very tablets. Let me add that I have read this book over 10 years ago and up until now I found no reason to influence or persuade/dissuade anybody but after reading some of the reviews it just seems unjust to let some of these meanderings go without my say on the matter....if this book seems misguided could it possibly be that just maybe the tablets that Z.Sitchin interprets may be what seems misguided. So if one can interpret Sumerian tablets and challenge the validity of Z. Sitchins works based on actual knowledge of the language not disdain of the subject then that would be a fair review. Otherwise...IT IS WHAT IT IS! Too all those who say Prove it...I say Prove that its not true...it cannot be proven or disproved just argued about. I recommend this book to those who are not satisfied with the same old hum drum rhetoric that church and state teach us. I liked this book so much that I bought another one....one more thing I see that the flat earth society still has some members. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Civilization, Ancient    2. Controversial Knowledge    3. Extraterrestrial influences    4. Fiction    5. Interplanetary voyages    6. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    7. UFOs & Extraterrestrials    8. Body, Mind & Spirit / UFOs    9. Controversial Knowledge & Mysteries    10. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness   

Reviews (4)

Too easy
This book is an excellent introductory to astronomy.However, it seems as if the authors are afraid of scaring away students with a few equations and math.They spend pages trying to describe an astrophysical situation when they could list an equation or a graph that would be more succinct and easier to comprehend.

The Best Introductory Astronomy Book I've Every Read
The best astronomy book I've ever read. Even more than that, this is the best science book I've ever read. The writing style combined with the excellent illustrations make even fairly complex subject simple and understandable. Even their descriptions of things like relativity are so simple that anyone can understand them.
Reviewed by an astronomy student
As an astronomy student at the University of Colorado, I have used "The Cosmic Perspective" as a text book for two of my classes (one on stars and galaxies, and one on the solar system).This book isperfect for both: the text is clear and full of insight; the illustrationsand photographs are abundant and extremely professional, and theycomplement the text superbly; the sections called "MathematicalInsight" give the reader a clear understanding of the scienceinvolved, and the sections called "Common Misconceptions" are asfun to read as they are informative.Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - General    2. Science    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Astronomy, Space & Time    5. Science / Astronomy   

Subjects:  1. Aeronautics & Astronautics    2. Engineering - Mechanical    3. Mechanics - Statics    4. Science    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Mechanics of solids    7. Science / Statics   

Reviews (13)

The middle road
This is a visionary book that sets out to change the world by changing how we see our place in the universe, by re-examining attitudes about the metaphors and stories used to describe the universe and our place in it. Instead of seeing ourselves in entrenched Newtonian existential terms (a small rock circling a small star in an average galaxy in a nearly infinite scale universe where nothing that humans do matters in the big picture like a lone plankton floating in the ocean), the authors re-position earth and humans to a central importance, supported by the latest science findings. Incredibly, they make a convincing case, and along the way educate the reader about the latest scientific findings in cosmology.
The perspective here offers a human-centered cosmology
Leading scientists and journalists have already praised VIEW FROM THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE: DISCOVERING OUR EXTRAORDINARY PLACE IN THE COSMOS: so what does this mean to the average reader who likes science? Plenty: for one thing it comes from an esteemed scientist and a lawyer and writer, so it combines technical prowess with readability for lay readers. The idea here is that the concept of the universe as a vast, impersonal space is outdated: the perspective here offers a human-centered cosmology, using the latest findings in astrophysics to back up the new approach to human-centered symbolism and how the universe as a whole is emerging. Any who've read the usual cosmological survey will see how unusual an
Cosmos Revisited
For the scientific bent person who wants a broader interpretation of cosmological theories this is an excellent book ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cosmology    2. History    3. Philosophy    4. Physics    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Science / Cosmology   

Reviews (15)

bad at any price
I bought this used for 50 cents and didn't
History of Discovering Cosmic History
"Einstein, who was devoted to a rational explanation of the world, once said: `I want to know how god created the world. I want to know his thoughts.' He meant it metaphorically, as a measure profundity of his quest." - George Smoot Feels like an eternity
The book covers the last 14 billion years or so, and sometimes it feels like it. It is a bit long-winded and certainly contains a lot of info that I doubt people really want to know. There are some compelling sections - like the U2 flights and the creating of COBE - but all in all Smoot repeats himself too much, and spends too much time on trivialities.Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy - Universe    2. Cosmology    3. Science    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Science / General