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The Speed of Light
"A child's eyes open, and light floods in."
Light is one of the most important parts of our lives, through which we perceive the universe around us. L. Riofrio worked as a scientist at NASA in Houston. While studying the Moon at Johnson Space Center, Riofrio found evidence that light is slowing down. In evocative and easy-to-read prose, Riofrio describes the history of light, starting with a child's eyes opening. The book contains just one equation!
Light is one of the most important parts of our lives, through which we perceive the universe around us. L. Riofrio worked as a scientist at NASA in Houston. While studying the Moon at Johnson Space Center, Riofrio found evidence that light is slowing down. In evocative and easy-to-read prose, Riofrio describes the history of light, starting with a child's eyes opening. The book contains just one equation!
- GenresPhysics
144 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2014
158 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 18, 2014
Most science courses teach that the speed of light is a constant. There is, however, an alternative theory that the speed of light slows down as the universe gets older. The decrease is tiny, but Riofrio shows how it answers questions about cosmic inflation, the galactic redshift, planet formation, the age of the sun, and even ocean tides. A very good book for laymen interested in science and why the universe is the way it is.
June 27, 2022
Magnificent, ties various subject together. Short and to the point, yet feels like an adventure!
January 25, 2015
The author of “The Speed of Light”, L. (Louise) Riofrio, has written for scientific journals – and has simplified her research and theories for the common person. Bragging that “this book has only one equation” (hers), she attempts to explain the basics of physics in such a way that the non-physicist reader can walk away with enough background to understand the theories that she puts forth.
For this reader, who earned a math degree longer than he will admit, the effort fails. I was taught that physics IS math; as such, any attempt to explain physics without delving into the equations behind the scenes cannot succeed. Further, the “no equations” mantra becomes a distraction – to the point where she refers to Einstein's “famous equation”, but refuses to actually WRITE “e = mc2” - one of the few equations that virtually EVERYONE knows (even if they may not understand it).
The book itself is not a failure. I believe the author does an excellent job of taking us back in history to understand some of the most basic premises of physics – and of the people who made those discoveries. Unfortunately, I did not walk away with the sense of understanding of the author's theories of the speed of light which she was striving to provide. The premise – yes. The proof / justification – no.
RATING: 3 stars for all that was right with the book.
DISCLOSURE: I received this book at no cost as part of the Goodreads FirstRead program. There was no charge, but a fair and unbiased review is always requested – but not mandated – as a part of that ongoing promotion.
For this reader, who earned a math degree longer than he will admit, the effort fails. I was taught that physics IS math; as such, any attempt to explain physics without delving into the equations behind the scenes cannot succeed. Further, the “no equations” mantra becomes a distraction – to the point where she refers to Einstein's “famous equation”, but refuses to actually WRITE “e = mc2” - one of the few equations that virtually EVERYONE knows (even if they may not understand it).
The book itself is not a failure. I believe the author does an excellent job of taking us back in history to understand some of the most basic premises of physics – and of the people who made those discoveries. Unfortunately, I did not walk away with the sense of understanding of the author's theories of the speed of light which she was striving to provide. The premise – yes. The proof / justification – no.
RATING: 3 stars for all that was right with the book.
DISCLOSURE: I received this book at no cost as part of the Goodreads FirstRead program. There was no charge, but a fair and unbiased review is always requested – but not mandated – as a part of that ongoing promotion.
September 18, 2014
This is a book about our universe that anyone can enjoy. Starting with a child's eyes first opening to light, The Speed of Light follows the growth of our ideas about the universe. it is an easy read suitable for teens and up.
The author predicted that the speed of light could change. While working as a scientist, the author found evidence from the Moon indicating that light is slowing down today. Despite its big subject, the book has only one easy equation! This is the science book for everyone.
The author predicted that the speed of light could change. While working as a scientist, the author found evidence from the Moon indicating that light is slowing down today. Despite its big subject, the book has only one easy equation! This is the science book for everyone.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews