From Publishers Weekly
Many people think of "cosmic rays" as mysterious extraterrestrial radiation, like what Flash Gordon and other '50s sci-fi heroes shot from their ray guns. Actually, as Friedlander, professor of physics at Washington University in St. Louis, explains, cosmic radiation comprises a bestiary of rather ordinary subatomic particles. Most of these come from either the sun or from supernova explosions in our galaxy; a small percentage may come from other galaxies, but those rays would have to have extraordinary initial energies to travel so far. Friedlander reviews the many different kinds of radiation in comprehensive detail, interspersing throughout his technical taxonomy fascinating examples of how research into these visitors from distant stars has yielded many useful terrestrial applications. Even though the probability of one of these particles colliding with our bodies is minuscule, he also explains, a small number of cancers may be caused by molecular mutations initiated by the impact of cosmic radiation. Friedlander writes very fluidly for the nonspecialist, but some readers may decide to skim sections in which the author gets into more advanced scientific detail. The book will appeal to science buffs interested in cosmology, particle physics, archeology, even nuclear medicine. It should establish itself as a standard work in the field of cosmic radiation, so it will be a must-buy for libraries with broad science collections.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Booklist
Cosmic rays have been an energetic arena for astrophysics research for the past century, which history physicist Friedlander traces. A theme of his story is the technology of detection, for snaring a proton moving nearly at light speed is "no mean trick." Although early devices, such as cloud chambers, have given way to electronic detectors sent into space and giant neutrino detectors installed deep underground, their purpose has all along been to identify the source of cosmic rays. Although a consensus prevails among the experts that they originate somewhere in the Milky Way (along with a small proportion from the Sun), Friedlander underscores that some must be coming from the universe at large. Mysterious as well is what creates them (supernovas are strong candidates), and the drive to find out makes cosmic rays most productive of Ph.D.s and Nobel Prizes. More prosaically, we can thank and blame cosmic rays for two things: they produce the carbon 14 isotope that revolutionized archaeological dating; and they add measurably to each person's radiation dose. A detailed, informative survey of the topic. Gilbert Taylor
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
