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How Space Physics Really Works - Andrew May ****

This slim book has the appealing premise of looking at the basics of space physics, from gravity through rocket science to the nature of a vacuum, by using examples from 'well-constructed science fiction'. We are not talking about the typical movie or lightweight SF novel here, but rather the work of 'hard' science writers - most notably Arthur C. Clarke and Andy Weir (not to mention astronaut-turned-author Chris Hadfield). Andrew May uses extensive quotes from such authors showing how the real physics of getting into space and living away from the Earth is significantly different from the Hollywood version.

Things start off with Jules Verne and his two Moon novels. May admits that Verne had to wildly fudge things over getting into space, using a cannon that would have mashed the occupants, but apart from that, Verne did his best to stick to the science as much as was known at the time, for example even putting in an equation giving a rough calculation for escape velocity. (Arguably not a great way to write great fiction - but at least it showed Verne cared.)

From there we get lots of examples where key writers have highlighted the realities of being in space, often before it had been practically achieved. Clarke famously prefigured the idea of using geostationary satellites (apparently cursing himself for not patenting the concept), but there is far more, from the approach taken to being in high gravity, or generating artificial gravity, to the problems involved in intercepting a spacecraft and what's necessary for survival in space. This is all entertainingly presented and both a great introduction to the basics of the physics involved in space travel and also an interesting history of the more reality-based aspects of science fiction.

My only real criticism is that I would have liked to have seen more details of the bad physics in science fiction movies and stories. May sticks most of the time (apart, for example, for criticising the way spacecraft turn in Star Wars) to when science fiction gets it right. One issue with this is that it does mean he has relatively few sources - there was too much reliance, for example, on Weir's Project Hail Mary which sometimes seemed to turn up every other page - and I missed the opportunity to poke fun at Hollywood getting it wrong. For example, I love the way people ejected into space are often shown freezing almost instantly (where in reality a vacuum is a good insulator - think vacuum flasks) or even, as in the original Total Recall, shown people inflating and exploding when in low pressure. The bad examples can make for a more memorable illustration.

Providing more illustration of errors might have made it a bit more fun, but it's still a great read both for those who enjoy science fiction (or want to write it) and those wanting to know a little more of the realities of potential life in space.

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Review by Brian Clegg - See all Brian's online articles or subscribe to a weekly email free here
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