The Science of Battlestar Galactica
The official guide to the science behind the Battlestar Galactica universe"If you've ever wondered what the frak happened to the science in science fiction, then this book is for you. Clear, funny, and told from an insider's perspective, it'll make any Battlestar fan's spine glow red with joy.  So say we all!" --Phil Plait, creator of Bad Astronomy and host of Bad Universe"Finally, a guide to the science fiction—and, even more importantly, the science facts—surrounding the Battlestar Galactica saga. If you're wondering what the BSG buzz is all about, or if you're wondering about the real research into genetics, robotics, and faster-than-light travel, this is the book for you."—Alan Boyle, author of MSNBC.com's Cosmic Log and The Case for PlutoNoteworthy for its grittiness and steadfast avoidance of flashy futuristic toys (they use wired phones, for frak's sake!), Battlestar Galactica (BSG) has been called the best show on television and as real as science fiction gets. It has dealt with issues of religious freedom, patriotism, terrorism, genetic engineering, and the ultimate science fiction question: What does it mean to be human? But the reimagined Battlestar Galactica also has a lot to say about the use of science and technology today and in the not-so-distant future.In The Science of Battlestar Galactica, Wired magazine contributing editor Patrick Di Justo and BSG's scientific advisor Kevin Grazier answer all the questions that have puzzled you ever since Admiral Adama issued his first command. They delve into questions about the nature of life—both flesh-and-blood and silicon-based; the effects of radiation—or how the Cylons could reoccupy Caprica after a few days, but not Earth after two thousand years; black holes, planets, and colonization; the principles behind the weapons and propulsion systems of Galactica; and much more.Best of all, the book features insights from some of the people closest to the production, including a foreword by BSG coexecutive producer Jane Espenson and an afterword by actor Richard Hatch.Filled with surprising details and background—including never-before-published information from show creator Ron Moore's legendary BSG Series Bible—this fascinating book sheds new light on the universe of one of the most original and provocative science fiction series ever created.