"Blurb & Contents" "The reader is treated to constantly refreshing and engaging commentary and opinion that always informs....As she depicts them, the problems of the universe are always fascinating and, most of all, they are alive and compelling." David DeVorkin, Sky & Telescope Virginia Trimble offers readers a fascinating and accessible tour of the stars. An astronomer with shared appointments in California and Maryland, the author ranges over a large portion of the universe as she discusses the search for life on other planets, how galaxies form, why stars explode and die, and the nature of the elusive dark matter in the universe. She also explains the astronomical significance of Cheeps' pyramid and leads the reader through scientific speculation about what and when the Star of Bethlehem might have been. Throughout, Trimble points to the exciting unanswered questions that still perplex the field and considers the formidable tasks to be faced by the next generation of young astronomers.

"Written by some of the world's foremost experts, the articles in this book show how plasma science can be applied to environmental problems, including atmospheric sensing and modification, energy conservation, reduction of air pollution, and processing of ordinary and radioactive wastes. Atmospheric CFC's might be zapped with big lasers. Urban air pollution could be removed by large convection towers built in or near cities. And weapons-grade plutonium can be destroyed with specially designed particle accelerators. Some of the technologies described here are in use already, while others are in the prototype stage, or are speculative approaches deserving of further study." "Contents" Written by some of the world's foremost experts, the articles in this book show how plasma science can be applied to environmental problems, including atmospheric sensing and modification, energy conservation, reduction of air pollution, and processing of ordinary and radioactive wastes. Atmospheric CFC's might be zapped with big lasers. Urban air pollution could be removed by large convection towers built in or near cities. And weapons-grade plutonium can be destroyed with specially designed particle accelerators. Some of the technologies described here are in use already, while others are in the prototype stage, or are speculative approaches deserving of further study.