Mathematics in Nature
Mathematics in Nature

Author: John Adam

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2011-10-02

Total Pages: 408

ISBN-13: 1400841011

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From rainbows, river meanders, and shadows to spider webs, honeycombs, and the markings on animal coats, the visible world is full of patterns that can be described mathematically. Examining such readily observable phenomena, this book introduces readers to the beauty of nature as revealed by mathematics and the beauty of mathematics as revealed in nature. Generously illustrated, written in an informal style, and replete with examples from everyday life, Mathematics in Nature is an excellent and undaunting introduction to the ideas and methods of mathematical modeling. It illustrates how mathematics can be used to formulate and solve puzzles observed in nature and to interpret the solutions. In the process, it teaches such topics as the art of estimation and the effects of scale, particularly what happens as things get bigger. Readers will develop an understanding of the symbiosis that exists between basic scientific principles and their mathematical expressions as well as a deeper appreciation for such natural phenomena as cloud formations, halos and glories, tree heights and leaf patterns, butterfly and moth wings, and even puddles and mud cracks. Developed out of a university course, this book makes an ideal supplemental text for courses in applied mathematics and mathematical modeling. It will also appeal to mathematics educators and enthusiasts at all levels, and is designed so that it can be dipped into at leisure.

Color and Light in Nature
Color and Light in Nature

Author: David K. Lynch

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2001-06-11

Total Pages: 296

ISBN-13: 9780521775045

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We live in a world of optical marvels - from the commonplace but beautiful rainbow, to the rare and eerie superior mirage. But how many of us really understand how a rainbow is formed, why the setting sun is red and flattened, or even why the sky at night is not absolutely black? This beautiful and informative guide provides clear explanations to all naturally occurring optical phenomena seen with the naked eye, including shadows, halos, water optics, mirages and a host of other spectacles. Separating myth from reality, it outlines the basic principles involved, and supports them with many figures and references. A wealth of rare and spectacular photographs, many in full color, illustrate the phenomena throughout. In this new edition of the highly-acclaimed guide to seeing, photographing and understanding nature's optical delights, the authors have added over 50 new images and provided new material on experiments you can try yourself.

Light and Color in the Outdoors
Light and Color in the Outdoors

Author: Marcel Minnaert

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 462

ISBN-13: 1461227224

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All of science springs from the observation of nature. In this classic book, the late Professor Minnaert accompanies the reader on a tour of nature's light and color and reveals the myriad phenomena that may be observed outdoors with no more than a pair of eyes and an enquiring mind. From the intriguing shape of the dapples beneath a tree on a sunny day, via rainbows, mirages, and haloes, the colors of liquid, ice, and the sky, to the appearance of the sun, moon, planets, and stars - Minnaert describes and explains them all in a clear language accessible to laymen. This new English edition is supplemented by 80 plates, over half of them in color, taken by the acclaimed photographer Pekka Parviainen, illustrating many of the phenomena - ordinary and exotic - discussed in the book.

Lights in the Sky
Lights in the Sky

Author: Michael Maunder

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2007-09-28

Total Pages: 233

ISBN-13: 1846287618

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Many lights and other objects in the sky go unrecognised, or at least are little understood by those observing them. Such things range from the commonplace like rainbows and meteors, to the distinctly unusual like the green flash and ball lightning. And there is still a residuum of objects that remain unidentified by the watcher – classed generally as ‘UFOs’, a description which today has connotations of the mysterious, even of extraterrestrial visitors. The first part of this book is an identification guide, very much like the "plant identifier" sections found in a good gardening or botany book. It allows quick (and structured) identification of known aerial phenomena, whether at night or during the day. The objects thus found are referenced to the second part of the book... The second part gives a full description, physical explanation, and where relevant notes on observing and photographing the various phenomena. Some will need optical aids such as binoculars or telescopes, but the main thrust of the book is identification and explanation rather than imaging. The final chapter approaches UFOs from a scientific standpoint, particularly the way in which human perception and often preconception affects the outcome. It does however finish with a short section on "extraterrestrial UFOs", emphasising the burden of proof aspect and touching on the scientific theories of life on other worlds and the improbability of visitors.

Love in an Alien Purgatory
Love in an Alien Purgatory

Author: Farah Yurdozu

Publisher:

Published: 2009-09

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781933665436

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In 1951, a young boy in rural Georgia was visited and abducted by group of alien visitors from an unknown dimension. That contact continued over several decades and resulted in the birth of more than sixty hybrid children... and one of the most remarkable stories in all of UFO lore. LOVE IN AN ALIEN PURGATORY is the startling pictorial account of David Huggins' hidden life, as revealed in his own vivd and sometimes disturbing full-color paintings. With commentary and text by UFO investigator Farah Yurdozu, David's story takes the reader into a world between two dimensions: a purgatory of hope, sex, fear and, ultimately, love.

Colour and the Optical Properties of Materials
Colour and the Optical Properties of Materials

Author: Richard J. D. Tilley

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2020-03-09

Total Pages: 608

ISBN-13: 1119554691

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The updated third edition of the only textbook on colour The revised third edition of Colour and the Optical Properties of Materials focuses on the ways that colour is produced, both in the natural world and in a wide range of applications. The expert author offers an introduction to the science underlying colour and optics and explores many of the most recent applications. The text is divided into three main sections: behaviour of light in homogeneous media, which can largely be explained by classical wave optics; the way in which light interacts with atoms or molecules, which must be explained mainly in terms of photons; and the interaction of light with insulators, semiconductors and metals, in which the band structure notions are of primary concern. The updated third edition retains the proven concepts outlined in the previous editions and contains information on the significant developments in the field with many figures redrawn and new material added. The text contains new or extended sections on photonic crystals, holograms, flat lenses, super-resolution optical microscopy and modern display technologies. This important book: Offers and introduction to the science that underlies the everyday concept of colour Reviews the cross disciplinary subjects of physics, chemistry, biology and materials science, to link light, colour and perception Includes information on many modern applications, such as the numerous different colour displays now available, optical amplifiers lasers, super-resolution optical microscopy and lighting including LEDs and OLEDs Contains new sections on photonic crystals, holograms, flat lenses, super-resolution optical microscopy and display technologies Presents many worked examples, with problems and exercises at the end of each chapter Written for students in materials science, physics, chemistry and the biological sciences, the third edition of Colour and The Optical Properties of Materials covers the basic science of the topic and has been thoroughly updated to include recent advances in the field.