Focusing on the applications of virtual reality in geography, this book discusses various VR systems, including "through the window" and "fully immersive" types, along with their hybrids. It critiques the Virtual Reality Modeling Language and its limitations in real-world geographic contexts. Accompanied by a CDROM featuring virtual reality images, the book serves as a valuable resource for geographers, computer scientists, and multimedia enthusiasts, highlighting significant methods and uses of virtual reality in the field.
What we know about dark matter and what we have yet to discover Astronomical observations have confirmed dark matter’s existence, but what exactly is dark matter? In What Is Dark Matter?, particle physicist Peter Fisher introduces readers to one of the most intriguing frontiers of physics. We cannot actually see dark matter, a mysterious, nonluminous form of matter that is believed to account for about 27 percent of the mass-energy balance in the universe. But we know dark matter is present by observing its ghostly gravitational effects on the behavior and evolution of galaxies. Fisher brings readers quickly up to speed regarding the current state of the dark matter problem, offering relevant historical context as well as a close look at the cutting-edge research focused on revealing dark matter’s true nature. Could dark matter be a new type of particle—an axion or a Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP)—or something else? What have physicists ruled out so far—and why? What experimental searches are now underway and planned for the near future, in hopes of detecting dark matter on Earth or in space? Fisher explores these questions and more, illuminating what is known and unknown, and what a triumph it will be when scientists discover dark matter’s identity at last.
Exploring the theme of finding glory in imperfection, the book highlights how both individual lives and faith communities can reflect divine beauty despite flaws. It draws inspiration from the poetry of W.H. Auden, T.S. Eliot, and Henry Vaughan, using their works to motivate readers to embrace the challenging yet fulfilling path of following Christ. Through this journey, readers are encouraged to recognize the transformative power of faith amidst life's complexities.
