
New Books in Science Chuck Adler, “Wizards, Aliens, and Starships: Physics and Math in Fantasy and Science Fiction” (Princeton UP, 2014)
Feb 14, 2014
Chuck Adler, physics professor and author of Wizards, Aliens, and Starships, explores the physics and math behind science fiction and fantasy. He analyzes Star Trek teleportation and other technologies. He discusses plausibility versus perfect accuracy, detecting extraterrestrial life and AI prospects, and whether a space elevator could really work.
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Transporter Origin Sparks Scientific Questions
- Chuck Adler recounts Star Trek's transporter origin as a production shortcut that sparked deeper scientific questions about teleportation.
- He uses that anecdote to illustrate challenges like mass-energy conversion, entropy, and reassembly precision.
How Sci‑Fi And A Teacher Shaped A Physicist
- Adler describes his path from Star Trek reader to physicist, crediting a brilliant high‑school teacher, Mr. Saunders.
- He links early sci‑fi inspiration and quality teaching to career choice and scientific curiosity.
Consistency Matters More Than Perfect Science
- Adler expects fiction need not be perfect but should remain internally consistent to be satisfying.
- He criticizes Star Trek for introducing transporter age-regression without addressing its broader consequences.






