This book covers the possible manned mission to Mars first discussed in the 1950s and still a topic of much debate, addressing historic and future plans to visit the Red Planet. Considering the environmental dangers and the engineering and design needed for a successful trip, it covers every aspect of a possible mission and outpost. The chapters explain the motivations behind the plan to go to Mars, as well as the physical factors that astronauts on manned missions will face on Mars and in transit. The author provides a comprehensive exposure to the infrastructure needs on Mars itself, covering an array of facilities including power sources, as well as addressing earth-based communication networks that will be necessary. Mechanisms for return to Earth are also addressed. As the reality of a manned Mars voyage becomes more concrete, the details are still largely up in the air. This book presents an overview of proposed approaches past, present, and future, both from NASA and, increasingly, from other space agencies and private companies. It clearly displays the challenges and the ingenious solutions involved in reaching Mars with human explorers.
In the next decade, NASA, by itself and in collaboration with the European Space Agency, is planning a minimum of four separate missions to Mars. Clearly, exciting times are ahead for Mars exploration. This is an insider’s look into the amazing projects now being developed here and abroad to visit the legendary red planet. Drawing on his contacts at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the author provides stunning insights into the history of Mars exploration and the difficulties and dangers of traveling there. After an entertaining survey of the human fascination with Mars over the centuries, the author offers an introduction to the geography, geology, and water processes of the planet. He then briefly describes the many successful missions by NASA and others to that distant world. But failure and frustration also get their due. As the author makes clear, going to Mars is not, and never will be, easy. Later in the book, he describes in detail what each upcoming mission will involve. In the second half of the book, he offers the reader a glimpse inside the world of Earth-based "Mars analogs," places on Earth where scientists are conducting research in hostile environments that are eerily "Martian." Finally, he constructs a probable scenario of a crewed expedition to Mars, so that readers can see how earlier robotic missions and human Earth simulations will fit together. All this is punctuated by numerous firsthand interviews with some of the finest Mars explorers of our day, including Stephen Squyres (Mars Exploration Rover), Bruce Murray (former director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory), and Peter Smith (chief of the Mars Phoenix Lander and the upcoming OSIRIS-REx missions). These stellar individuals give us an insider’s view of the difficulties and rewards of roaming the red planet. The author’s infectious enthusiasm and firsthand knowledge of the international space industry combine to make a uniquely appealing and accessible book about Mars.
Popular Mechanics inspires, instructs and influences readers to help them master the modern world. Whether it’s practical DIY home-improvement tips, gadgets and digital technology, information on the newest cars or the latest breakthroughs in science -- PM is the ultimate guide to our high-tech lifestyle.
Popular Mechanics inspires, instructs and influences readers to help them master the modern world. Whether it’s practical DIY home-improvement tips, gadgets and digital technology, information on the newest cars or the latest breakthroughs in science -- PM is the ultimate guide to our high-tech lifestyle.
Did you know that on the asteroid Ceres you could jump six miles high? That on Pluto it gets so cold that the atmosphere freezes and falls to the ground as snow? Or that there is a volcano on Mars that is almost three times as tall as Mount Everest? Join astronomer Alvin Jenkins and illustrator Steve Jenkins as they take you on an incredible tour of our solar system. Filled with amazing facts about planets, moons, asteroids and everything in between—and some of what lies beyond—this book will take you on a journey you won’t soon forget.
This book is a collection of short stories, 12 are adventure stories, and the rest are a mixture of westerns,sifi,love,dark humor,spy,ghost and even a fairy tale. I do hope that you, as a reader will fi nd what you are looking for.
Physically active children experience healthier growth and development. They are less likely to be overweight. They learn more effectively and manage their behavior better. Yet many classroom teachers offer little or no time for physical activity because they feel pressed for time, space, and equipment. That’s where Promoting Elementary School Physical Activity: Ideas for Enjoyable Active Learning comes in. This text provides K-5 classroom teachers and physical educators with simple, creative strategies and activities that have proven successful in schools and that are suitable for all children. The ideas are practical, accessible, and backed by research that supports the benefits of physical activity in the classroom. They are also flexible—meaning the authors present guidance and options for modifying activities, so teachers can choose what works best for their students. Most activities can be carried out in small spaces or within an existing classroom setup. Promoting Elementary School Physical Activity offers a total of 50 ready-to-use activities in four categories: Classroom physical activity breaks Physically active instruction Recess Enhanced physical education The games and activities afford schools the opportunity to emphasize physical activity throughout the day. The activities are easy to fit into the curriculum at any and all points, including before and after school. Little or no equipment is needed; for the few activities that require equipment, suggestions are provided to make simple equipment from everyday materials. In addition, most chapters offer quick tips to help teachers overcome any challenges that might come up with the activities in that section, and many chapters come with an infographic that shows or describes the benefits of the activity for the topic being discussed. Promoting Elementary School Physical Activity is organized into three parts: Part I, Classroom Physical Activity, offers ideas for integrating classroom physical activity breaks, incorporating physical activity into academic instruction, taking advantage of recess, and creating a physically active classroom. Part II, Physical Education, is written specifically for the physical education teacher. It provides simple strategies for getting students moving throughout physical education class, connecting them to physical activity resources in the school and community, and facilitating lifelong physical activity. Part III, The Physically Active School, presents more options for student physical activity, including ideas for before- and after-school programs and physically active transport to and from school. It also focuses on the importance of the physical environment, physical activity policies, physical activity practices, and social environment. The comprehensive school physical activity program is explored as a tool to organize and coordinate the physical activity opportunities presented throughout this book. This practical guide makes it easy for teachers to bring the fun of physical activity—along with its academic, social, and health benefits—to their K-5 students.
Hundreds of novels, films, and TV shows have speculated about what it would be like for us Earthlings to build cities on Mars. To make it a reality, however, these dreamers are in sore need of additional conceptual tools in their belt—particularly, a rich knowledge of city planning and design. Enter award-winning author and Tufts University professor, Justin Hollander. In this book, he draws on his experience as an urban planner and researcher of human settlements to provide a thoughtful exploration of what a city on Mars might actually look like. Exploring the residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure elements of such an outpost, the book is able to paint a vivid picture of how a Martian community would function – the layout of its public spaces, the arrangement of its buildings, its transportation network, and many more crucial aspects of daily life on another planet. Dr. Hollander then brings all these lessons to life through his own rendered plan for “Aleph,” one of many possible designs for the first city on Mars. Featuring a plethora of detailed, cutting-edge illustrations and blueprints for Martian settlements, this book at once inspires and grounds the adventurous spirit. It is a novel addition to the current planning underway to colonize the Red Planet, providing a rich review of how we have historically overcome challenging environments and what the broader lessons of urban planning can offer to the extraordinary challenge of building a permanent settlement on Mars.
More delightful fun with the Brainwaves. This time they blast off into space to bring the science to you - in fabulously fun--and funny--text. Stars, galaxies, black holes, nebulae, asteroids, and more are discussed in clear text, meant to engage and entertain readers of all ages.
