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Ka-boom!: The Science of Extremes
David Darling travels through space and time to find the largest, smallest, stickiest, loudest, quietest, fastest, slowest, heaviest and brightest…
What’s the brightest light on Earth, the coldest place in the universe, the blackest material ever made, the most poisonous substance in nature?
Probing the extremes of size and speed, depth and density, and revealing the stickiest, sweetest, smelliest and most poisonous substances known to science, Ka-boom! endeavours to find out!
In an unabashed celebration of the exceptional, David Darling takes a rollicking journey through the universe’s weirdest and most wonderful extremes. From the treetop home of the notoriously sluggish sloth, to the very edges of the known universe, Darling searches through space and time for nature and technology’s greatest oddities. Darling also investigates how pioneering scientists are using these quirks of nature to design faster computers, produce greener energy and revolutionise space travel.
What’s the brightest light on Earth, the coldest place in the universe, the blackest material ever made, the most poisonous substance in nature?
Probing the extremes of size and speed, depth and density, and revealing the stickiest, sweetest, smelliest and most poisonous substances known to science, Ka-boom! endeavours to find out!
In an unabashed celebration of the exceptional, David Darling takes a rollicking journey through the universe’s weirdest and most wonderful extremes. From the treetop home of the notoriously sluggish sloth, to the very edges of the known universe, Darling searches through space and time for nature and technology’s greatest oddities. Darling also investigates how pioneering scientists are using these quirks of nature to design faster computers, produce greener energy and revolutionise space travel.
304 pages, Paperback
Published June 11, 2024
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32 people want to read
About the author
David Darling
66 books32 followersThere is more than one author in the database with this name. Not all books on this profile may belong to the same person.
David Darling is a science writer and astronomer. He is the author of many books, including the bestselling Equations of Eternity, and the popular online resource The Worlds of David Darling. He lives in Dundee, Scotland.
David Darling is a science writer and astronomer. He is the author of many books, including the bestselling Equations of Eternity, and the popular online resource The Worlds of David Darling. He lives in Dundee, Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 25, 2024
📍Premise
"Ka-Boom" by David Darling takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the extremes of the universe. Darling embarks on a quest to discover the largest, smallest, stickiest, loudest, quietest, fastest, slowest, heaviest, and brightest phenomena. From the brightest light on Earth to the coldest place in the universe, Darling delves into the most peculiar and awe-inspiring aspects of nature and technology. The book celebrates these exceptional oddities and explores how they influence advancements in science and technology, from faster computers to greener energy and revolutionary space travel.
📍Pros:
"Ka-Boom" is both understandable and knowledgeable, making it suitable for those just beginning to explore natural sciences. Darling's engaging narrative style makes complex scientific concepts accessible and enjoyable. Some chapters stand out as particularly amazing and entertaining, offering readers delightful insights into the quirks of the universe. Many readers will find themselves gaining new knowledge and a greater appreciation for the wonders of nature and human ingenuity.
📍Cons:
Despite its many strengths, "Ka-Boom" has a few drawbacks. The writing style can be a bit messy at times, which might make the narrative harder to follow. Additionally, some of Darling's claims lack proper citations, which can raise questions about the reliability of the information presented. Furthermore, not all the information is up-to-date, which may leave readers seeking the latest scientific developments wanting more.
📍 Conclusion:
"Ka-Boom" is an enjoyable and informative read that offers a unique perspective on the universe's most extraordinary phenomena. While the writing style and occasional lack of citations may be drawbacks, the book's ability to entertain and educate makes it a worthwhile addition to the library of anyone interested in the marvels of natural science.
3.5⭐/5
"Ka-Boom" by David Darling takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the extremes of the universe. Darling embarks on a quest to discover the largest, smallest, stickiest, loudest, quietest, fastest, slowest, heaviest, and brightest phenomena. From the brightest light on Earth to the coldest place in the universe, Darling delves into the most peculiar and awe-inspiring aspects of nature and technology. The book celebrates these exceptional oddities and explores how they influence advancements in science and technology, from faster computers to greener energy and revolutionary space travel.
📍Pros:
"Ka-Boom" is both understandable and knowledgeable, making it suitable for those just beginning to explore natural sciences. Darling's engaging narrative style makes complex scientific concepts accessible and enjoyable. Some chapters stand out as particularly amazing and entertaining, offering readers delightful insights into the quirks of the universe. Many readers will find themselves gaining new knowledge and a greater appreciation for the wonders of nature and human ingenuity.
📍Cons:
Despite its many strengths, "Ka-Boom" has a few drawbacks. The writing style can be a bit messy at times, which might make the narrative harder to follow. Additionally, some of Darling's claims lack proper citations, which can raise questions about the reliability of the information presented. Furthermore, not all the information is up-to-date, which may leave readers seeking the latest scientific developments wanting more.
📍 Conclusion:
"Ka-Boom" is an enjoyable and informative read that offers a unique perspective on the universe's most extraordinary phenomena. While the writing style and occasional lack of citations may be drawbacks, the book's ability to entertain and educate makes it a worthwhile addition to the library of anyone interested in the marvels of natural science.
3.5⭐/5
December 21, 2024
Really enjoyed this book! A nice and slow read that you can stretch as long as you’d like! So much information yet never overwhelming!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews