physics
#2
The Petrova line isn't real, but there are real astronomical instruments that can detect infrared light at 25.984 microns.
#8
Venus lacks an intrinsic magnetic field, and that’s weird.
#13
Acceleration due to gravity on Earth varies depending upon location, but you can’t fault Ryland’s teacher brain for sticking with two significant figures.
#19
Amaterasu is not a real solar probe, but it is the name of an ultra-high-energy cosmic ray.
#52
Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope which produces gamma rays hazardous to many species yet apparently ineffective when studying the nature of Astrophage.
#58
Spectroscopy is a valuable tool in understanding both Astrophage and the wider cosmos.
#91
Astronomy across the electromagnetic spectrum deepens our understanding of the cosmos.
#116
Echolocation and passive sonar are different but related ways of sensing an environment.
#126
Astrophage apparently store energy using neutrinos.
#136
The Petrova wavelength used in the book is not arbitrary.
#138
Pair production is a physical process by which energy is converted into matter.
#185
When Ryland calls an orbit ugly, he probably just means it’s a bit eccentric.
#189
Ryland and Rocky wonder how evolution resulted in a similar speed of thought for humans and Eridians.
#208
A velocity of 800 m/s is insufficient to escape the planet Adrian.