astronomy

Alien Oceans

June 15, 2023

Having recently added a copy of a much desired new edition of a textbook on the subject of astrobiology, my mind was primed and receptive for a recent note on Princeton’s social media channels pointing out that in addition to both hardcover and paperback editions of Dr. Kevin Peter Hand’s 2020 published book “Alien Oceans; the Search for Life in the Depths of Space,” they also have the book available in audio format, unabridged and read by the author, through their Princeton Audio imprint.

The Marvelously Multifaceted Mr. Newton

January 22, 2023

Most of us likely first heard the name Isaac Newton when we were in primary school. For some, it may have been in a classroom; for others it may have been while viewing a television program – most likely a cartoon. However, in most all instances, I’d be willing to wager that the name was […]

Dialogue on the Two Greatest World Systems

January 19, 2023

Galileo Dialogue Two World Systems cover

When it comes to books that not only upset the metaphorical apple cart but felled the entire orchard of toleration on the part of those able to wield raw and unmitigated power at a truly global level, few can be said to have accomplished this more so than Galileo Galilei’s “Dialogue on the Two Greatest World Systems,” of which a fresh translation by Mark Davie and William R. Shea will be published by Oxford University Press in February of this very year as an addition to their superb Oxford World’s Classics series.

Astrotopia

January 8, 2023

While I grew up as an absolute disciple of the grand project of space exploration, I’ve recently become less enthusiastic as recent projects seem devoid of grand ideas of discovery, and primarily focused on personal vanity and economic gain. I thought I was alone in this increasing skepticism, however Prof. Mary-Jane Rubenstein’s new book “Astrotopia” has given me reassurance that I am not alone in re-examining the history of such exploration and reflecting upon how it is presently being undertaken.