Staff Pick
Far more than a primer or introduction into nonlocality, quantum entanglement, and relativity, George Musser's Spooky Action at a Distance (so named for Einstein's quote relating to quantum mechanics) is a fascinating, at times challenging exploration of modern physics. Musser, an award-winning science writer, offers a thorough history of physics through the centuries, arriving at the present moment when we're still attempting to understand and untangle the mysteries of the universe. Despite the inherent headiness of his subject, Musser is able to skillfully articulate competing theories of space and time — even while employing ample humor in his writing. Spooky Action at a Distance is utterly intriguing and will leave the curious and engaged reader with both insight and wonder. Recommended By Jeremy G., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
What is space? It isn't a question that most of us normally ask. Space
is the venue of physics; it's where things exist, where they move and
take shape. Yet over the past few decades, physicists have discovered a
phenomenon that operates outside the confines of space and time:
nonlocality — the ability of two particles to act in harmony no matter how
far apart they may be. It appears to be almost magical. Einstein
grappled with this oddity and couldn't come to terms with it, describing
it as "spooky action at a distance." More recently, the mystery has
deepened as other forms of nonlocality have been uncovered. This strange
occurrence, which has direct connections to black holes, particle
collisions, and even the workings of gravity, holds the potential to
undermine our most basic understandings of physical reality. If space
isn't what we thought it was, then what is it?
In Spooky Action at a Distance,
George Musser sets out to answer that question, offering a provocative
exploration of nonlocality and a celebration of the scientists who are
trying to explain it. Musser guides us on an epic journey into the lives
of experimental physicists observing particles acting in tandem,
astronomers finding galaxies that look statistically identical, and
cosmologists hoping to unravel the paradoxes surrounding the big bang.
He traces the often contentious debates over nonlocality through major
discoveries and disruptions of the twentieth century and shows how
scientists faced with the same undisputed experimental evidence develop
wildly different explanations for that evidence. Their conclusions
challenge our understanding of not only space and time but also the
origins of the universe-and they suggest a new grand unified theory of
physics. Delightfully readable, Spooky Action at a Distance is a mind-bending voyage to the frontiers of modern physics that will change the way we think about reality.
Review
“Accessible and imaginative . . . Clarity and humor illuminate Musser’s
writing, and he adroitly captures the excitement and frustration
involved in investigating the mysteries of our universe.” Publishers Weekly
Review
“An endlessly surprising foray into the current mother of physics' many
knotty mysteries, the solving of which may unveil the weirdness of
quantum particles, black holes, and the essential unity of nature.” Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Review
“Ambitious . . . the author has done a monumental job of translating
recondite theory into laymen's terms.” Laurence A. Marschall, Natural History
Review
“A highly enjoyable tour-de-force . . . Amid the superb writing here is a
lot of information that will bring you up to date on everything you
should know about this compelling mystery . . . this book will be one of
the reading highlights of your year.” David Eicher, Astronomy magazine
About the Author
George Musser is an award-winning journalist, a contributing editor for Scientific American, and the author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to String Theory.
He is the recipient of a Jonathan Eberhart Planetary Sciences
Journalism Award from the American Astronomical Society and the 2011
American Institute of Physics Science Communication Award for Science
Writing. He was a Knight Science Journalism fellow at MIT from 2014 to
2015. He has appeared on Today, CNN, NPR, the BBC, Al Jazeera, and other outlets. He lives in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, with his wife and daughter.