December 2019 Issue of Physics Today Now Available
Hua Liu American Astronomical Society (AAS)
Physics Today, the flagship publication of the American Institute of Physics (AIP), is the most influential and closely followed physics magazine in the world. With authoritative features, full news coverage and analysis, and fresh perspectives on technological advances and groundbreaking research, Physics Today informs readers about science and its role in society. Members of the AAS, an AIP Member Society, automatically receive free print and online subscriptions to the magazine. Physics Today Online, the magazine’s internet home, presents an enhanced digital edition and provides a valuable online archive.
In the December 2019 Issue
John Wheeler’s H-Bomb Blues
In 1953, as a political battle raged over the US’s nuclear future, the eminent physicist lost a classified document, about the hydrogen bomb, on an overnight train from Philadelphia to Washington, DC. — Alex Wellerstein
Tip of the Iceberg
The conditions required for an object to float in a stable orientation sometimes lead to surprising results. — Henry Pollack
Magnetic semimetals host massless quasiparticles
Two materials have an unusual electronic band structure that can support fast, low-dissipation electronic transport. — Christine Middleton
Should Carbon Emissions Be Taxed or Capped and Traded?
In the fight against climate change, many nations and states have put systems in place to price carbon dioxide emissions. There is no consensus on which of two mechanisms is better. — David Kramer
Self-Driving Cars Face a Cloudy Future
Better weather predictions and more data on driving could accelerate the widespread deployment of automated and connected vehicles. — Alex Lopatka
Commentary: Beyond the Decadal Surveys: Establishing Policy for Us Space Science
— Jason Callahan
...and much more!