A Thin Cosmic Rain: Particles from Outer Space

Many people think of ""cosmic rays"" as mysterious extraterrestrial radiation, like what Flash Gordon and other '50s sci-fi heroes shot from their ray guns. Actually, as Friedlander, professor of physics at Washington University in St. Louis, explains, cosmic radiation comprises a bestiary of rather ordinary subatomic particles. Most of these come from either the sun or from supernova explosions in our galaxy; a small percentage may come from other galaxies, but those rays would have to have extraordinary initial energies to travel so far. Friedlander reviews the many different kinds of radiation in comprehensive detail, interspersing throughout his technical taxonomy fascinating examples of how research into these visitors from distant stars has yielded many useful terrestrial applications. Even though the probability of one of these particles colliding with our bodies is minuscule, he also explains, a small number of cancers may be caused by molecular mutations initiated by the impact of cosmic radiation. Friedlander writes very fluidly for the nonspecialist, but some readers may decide to skim sections in which the author gets into more advanced scientific detail. The book will appeal to science buffs interested in cosmology, particle physics, archeology, even nuclear medicine. It should establish itself as a standard work in the field of cosmic radiation, so it will be a must-buy for libraries with broad science collections. (Nov.)