Scientific Principles in Christmas

Author: Roger Highfield
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: Why is Rudolph's nose so red? Which star in the sky is the Bethlehem Star? How can Santa Claus deliver gifts to an estimated 842 million households in just one night? In The Science of Christmas, award-winning science journalist Dr. Roger Highfield takes on the role of a guiding elf, leading readers to explore the little-known aspects of the beloved Christmas holiday, including various rituals and symbolic figures and images, from a brand new and fun scientific perspective. Dr. Highfield cites the latest research reports from chemistry, mathematics, genetics, anthropology, physics, psychology, and astronomy to explore these questions: Do reindeer really fly? How are snowflakes formed? What must scientists do to ensure that every Christmas is a "Silver Christmas" with snow falling? Many people enjoy the cabbage in the Christmas feast—what's the physiological reason for this? Why is Santa Claus so fat? Why do we feel so depressed and gloomy after Christmas? From the sparkling Christmas trees (both real and artificial) to the cheesy Christmas cards (even those that play music), from how to roast a turkey in the oven to our Christmas shopping, The Science of Christmas is an irresistible guided journey, a wise and insightful investigation that is not only enjoyable but also enlightening.