The Science of Battlestar Galactica
by Patrick Di Justo, Kevin Grazier
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Book Summary Information
Author: Kevin Grazier, Patrick Di JustoBrand: NBC Universal
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2010-10-19
ISBN: 0470399090
Number of pages: 336
Publisher: Wiley
Book Reviews of The Science of Battlestar Galactica
Book Review: Great for science geeks, but it's VERY heavy on the science
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Science of Battlestar Galactica" was written by a Wired editor and the science consultant for the reimagined Battlestar Galactica series that aired on SciFi from 2003 to 2008.
I've read a lot of these "science of . . ." books, and this one is by far the deepest, most science-heavy one that I've come across. It's really more of an astrophysics book with references to BSG. The authors explain how stars coalesce, how black holes develop, how electronic warfare takes place, how GPS works and how it would apply in a galactic setting, and more. Nor do the authors pull any punches in terms of explaining the relevant physics -- the section on the Special Theory of Relativity, for example, goes into Lorentz contraction, which is something I didn't learn until taking physics at Caltech(!).
I should also add that there are math equations in this book. Some explain the rate at which a spaceship would have to spin to simulate gravity through centrifugal force; others explain the aforementioned Lorentz contraction (a consequence of approaching the speed of light). Other equations explain why BSG's kinetic weapons (bullets, high explosive ordnance) are actually more efficient and effective than laser or other energy beams would be.
This book would be great for anyone who liked BSG and who is interested in learning some serious science, but those who are interested more in episode guides with just a touch of science will probably find it overwhelming. On the other hand, it does explain how the Galactica was able to withstand a direct hit by a nuclear warhead and not be vaporized . . . .
Summary of The Science of Battlestar Galactica
The official guide to the science behind the Battlestar Galactica universeBattlestar Galactica (BSG) has been called the best show on television, and as real as science fiction gets. It has dealt with issues of religious freedom, patriotism, terrorism, genetic engineering, and the ultimate science fiction question: what does it mean to be human? While the re-imagined BSG may not be packed with cool techie tools (the bad guys don't even have laser guns for frak's sake!), this book shows that the science in the series has a lot to say about the use of science and technology in our lives today.
What are the principles behind artificial gravity and sublight propulsion? Are Cylons men or machines? How are humanoid Cylons able to interface with computers? By tackling these and other intriguing questions, The Science of Battlestar Galactica takes us billions of miles away from Earth so that we can turn around and see ourselves from a different perspective.
- Tackles fans' most pressing BSG questions, from how an FTL drive might work to how the 12 colonies of Kobol could co-exist to the principles behind Gaius Baltar's Cylon-detector
- Features behind-the-scenes anecdotes, quotes from the BSG Series Bible, and over 60 photos
- Includes a foreword by BSG co-executive producer, Jane Espenson, and an afterword by actor, Richard Hatch, who played Tom Zarek in the reimagined series and Captain Apollo in the classic series
- Co-written by BSG's scientific advisor and a Wired contributing editor
Packed with must-know details and scientific background, this thought-provoking book will help you see Battlestar Galactica as never before.
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