What Light Through Yonder Window Breaks?: More Experiments in Atmospheric Physics (Dover Science Books) [Paperback]

Craig F. Bohren (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0486453367 | ISBN-13: 978-0486453361 | Publication Date: November 17, 2006

This sequel to Clouds in a Glass of Beer makes the world of atmospheric physics even more accessible to readers without a scientific background. Abounding in lively writing and fun-filled, easy-to-perform experiments, it offers memorable ways to learn about an intriguing branch of science. 1991 edition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Here is an outstanding text for non-scientists and all interested readers who would like to experience and understand firsthand some of the remarkable physical phenomena in the Earth's atmosphere. A sequel to the author's popular Clouds in a Glass of Beer, it contains simple experiments on such topics as the Doppler effect, polarized light, highway mirages, the greenhouse effect, nucleation, humidity, scattering and much more. Requiring no expensive equipment or specialized knowledge, the book is suitable for readers of many ages and is intended to encourage a healthy curiosity about the physical universe. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (November 17, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486453367
• ISBN-13: 978-0486453361
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #723,627 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everyday science at its best, August 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: What Light Through Yonder Window Breaks: More Experiments in Atmospheric Physics (Wiley Science Editions) (Paperback)

A variety of everyday phenomena are explained in this little book (185 pages). Most of it is optics and thermal physics, like frost and dew on the window, interference colors, mirages, heating and cooling (of LA smog, the greenhouse effect) origin of seasons, ...

Quite complex concepts like optical thickness are illustrated with nice experiments (pouring milk in water) and by foot steps in the snow. Don't be afraid of refractive index gradients or polarization upon reflection, Bohren will explain them marvelously.

I hope more physics textbooks would be like this: this is intriguing science whereas geometrical optics, the school book stuff, is mostly boring. Besides, these experiments and observations can be carried out by anybody with commonly available stuff: you only need a light bulb, a ruler and some volunteers to measure solar irrandiance, with 10-20% accuracy.