Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance Between Astrophysics and the Military

In "Accessory to War," astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and writer Avis Lang explore how astrophysics has been used in the service of war, highlighting the strong overlap between the fields of astrophysics and military planning. They call it a "curiously complicit" alliance. The book spans from early celestial navigation to satellite-enabled warfare and examines the intersection of science, technology, industry, and power.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 592 pages
\n Publication date: 05 October 2019
\n Publisher: WW Norton & Co
\n

In this captivating exploration of the millennia-long relationship between science and military power, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and writer Avis Lang delve into the intriguing ways in which astrophysical methods and tools have been enlisted in the service of war. The authors emphasize the strong overlap between these two fields, describing it as a two-way street where astrophysicists and military planners share common interests in areas such as multi-spectral detection, ranging, tracking, imaging, high ground, nuclear fusion, and access to space. They refer to this alliance as a curiously complicit one.

Spanning from the early days of celestial navigation to the era of satellite-enabled warfare, Accessory to War offers a meticulously researched and thought-provoking examination of the intricate intersection of science, technology, industry, and power. This book will introduce Tyson's millions of fans to a new dimension of how the universe has shaped our lives and our world.

Through their insightful analysis, Tyson and Lang shed light on the complex dynamics that have shaped the relationship between science and warfare throughout history. They explore how scientific advancements have been harnessed to gain military advantages, such as the development of radar and GPS technologies. They also examine the ethical considerations and unintended consequences that arise from this alliance, such as the potential for scientific research to be used for military purposes or the risk of technology falling into the wrong hands.

Accessory to War is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science, technology, and society. It provides a thought-provoking perspective on the complex relationship between these fields and raises important questions about the role of science in shaping our world and the responsibilities of scientists in navigating these complex dynamics.

\n Weight: 824g\n
Dimension: 235 x 163 x 32 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780393357462\n \n