Spaceship Neutrino [Paperback]

Christine Sutton (Author), Fred Reines (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 1992 | ISBN-10: 0521367034 | ISBN-13: 978-0521367035

Spaceship Neutrino charts the history of the neutrino, from its beginnings in the 1930s, when it was postulated as a way of explaining an otherwise intractable problem in physics, to its crucial role in modern theories of the Universe. Christine Sutton is well known for her popular science writing. In this book she describes how the detection and measurement of neutrino properties have tested technology to its limits, requiring huge detectors, often located deep in mines, under mountains or even under the sea. As part of the story she explains without the use of mathematics how our understanding of the structure of matter and the forces that hold it together have come from work with neutrinos, and how these insignificant particles hold the key to our understanding of the beginning and the end of the Universe.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... a pleasure to read, with many excellent illustrations including fine photographs of our heroes, on and off duty, and of their laboratories and equipment." John Edgington, Times Higher Education Supplement

"So rarely does a book appear that is both technically competent and broadly enjoyable. Let neither the professional be put off by the jejune title nor the amateur shrink from the book's comprehensive nature. Spaceship Neutrino has something for all." Adam Burrows, Sky & Telescope

"This well-illustrated, detailed...account is suitable for undergraduates and the general public." David Haase, American Scientist

"Sutton's remarkable book, written without using mathematics and technical jargon, relates the history of the neutrino from the first suggestion of its existence by Wolfgang Pauli in 1930. Enthusiastically recommended." R.L. Stearns, Choice

"...a brief, richly illustrated, informed and up to date overview of the entire physics of neutrinos. Her style is easy, the language lively and familiar....Beginners and physics-wise readers can profit alike....her timely choice of topic in all its breadth is hard to match." Scientific American

"...an unconventional approach to modern astrophysics for the general reader...tells [the story of neutrinos] comprehe nsively and comprehensibly." Griffith Observer

"...Christine Sutton, a physicist at the University of Oxfo rd and a skilled science expositor, tells the story of those bizarre specks of matter with vigor and authority..." The Sciences

Book Description

The history of the neutrino, a subatomic particle so elusive that it's almost undetectable, is charted--from its beginnings in the 1930s to its current crucial role in modern theories of the Universe--for all levels of interest in modern physics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 260 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (October 30, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521367034
• ISBN-13: 978-0521367035
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 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: #762,489 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Neutrinos Rule!, February 15, 2010

By 

Raymond J. Schuck (Alta Loma, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Spaceship Neutrino (Paperback)

One of my hobbies is an informal study of particle physics; therefore, the title caught my interest. I read the book a few years ago and I loved it so much I was sad to see it come to and end. It's a terrific book for some serious information on the amazing sub-atomic particles known as neutrinos. It may be a bit technical for the totally uninitiated, but with a sincere interest, I think most anyone would enjoy it.

My 14 year old granddaughter recently asked me some questions about the 'Big Bang' theory, and "Spaceship Neutrino" immediately came to mind. So I purchased the book again, for her, through Amazon.com. I will hold on to my copy for life! I think it is a wonderful book.

I rated it at five stars because I would have bought it for my granddaughter at just about any price, but that is my one reservation about the book, I thought the price was excessive when I bought the first copy for myself, the price for the copy I got for my granddaughter was about double what I paid for my copy.

That being said, if you really want a fascinating explanation of neutrino theory I recommend "Spaceship Neutrino" as a great introduction-bar the shocking price!