According to John Blish, Tau Zero is the ultimate hard science fiction novel.
For readers with a background in physics and math, there's certainly generous helping of science, for example: "Precisely because there is an absolute limiting speed (at which light travels in vacuo; likewise neutrinos) there is an interdependence of space, time, matter, and energy. The tau factor enters the equations. If v is the (uniform) velocity of a spaceship, and c the velocity of light, then tau equals - here the author provides the mathematical equation. "The closer that v comes to c, the closer tau comes to zero."
For non-science types like myself, there's enough conceptual framework to understand what's going on with a rocket ship moving through space. Two key points: 1) traveling close to the speed of light, time bends. So the universe and the people back on earth can age 100 years while the crew in the ship only age, say, 1 month; 2) when the crew on board encounters an unexpected force field, the ship incurs damage, propelling it to move at greater and greater acceleration with no possibility of a return trip to earth.
This is exactly what happens to the Leonora Christine and its crew of 25 men and 25 women on its mission to colonize a distant planet beyond our solar system. If you can click into Poul Anderson's sf vision, Tau Zero makes for an exciting outer space adventure. Here's some mostly non-science stuff readers can look forward to:
ALL NATIONS UNITED
In this future world, Sweden is the leading global power. The crew is made up of a rainbow of nationalities, a true international crowd from countries such as Sweden, China, Russia, US, Germany, even a captain from Antarctica, And each of the 50 women and men aboard have expertise within the fields of science and technology.
ART
Those who have talent in the arts are provided with ample opportunity to express themselves. Reymont the captain watches as molecular biologist Emma Glassgold sketches out a mural that will eventually be filled with forests and lakes. Additionally, the rocket builders back on earth had the foresight to include aesthetic considerations: all of the residential and recreational decks (its a huge rocket ship, the size of a skyscraper) are covered with a green material that's as springy as grass.
GAMES
The crew can keep themselves in top shape by swimming in the pool or playing vigorous games like handball where, at low gee, players can virtually walk up the walls, making for spectacular play. I bet it does! I'd like to see a film of handball played at low gravity.
NUDITY AND SEX
Well beyond the 21st century, these fit, youthful women and men have little social inhibition about undressing and being in the nude. Same goes for sex - at least for starters.
MORALS AND RELATIONSHIPS
"I want a decent marriage," Glassgold said with a flick of anger, "and as many children as God gives me. But they will know who their father is. It doesn't hurt if I don't play any ridiculous game of musical beds while we travel. We have enough girls aboard who do." Over time, relationships are formed and fidelity is expected. In this way Poul Anderson presents two overarching dramas: the scientific challenges encounters, especially the disruption in plans caused by the force field, and the unfolding dramas of romance and relationships among the men and women. Keep in mind they are together in the Leonora Christine for years with the prospect of more years to come. After awhile, even a giant rocket ship can feel claustrophobic.
DISCOVERY
Astronomers take this unique space travel opportunity to gather critical details about the universe heretofore unavailable - gamma-ray spectra among others. Yet again an additional dimension of the novel appealing for those interested in the sciences.
DREAM AND HALLUCINATION
There's an apparatus on board where one lies down, relaxes, and is hooked up to circuitry producing electronic stimulation to the brain to induce extraordinarily intense and lengthy dreams and hallucinations. This practice is a way to effectively deal with the sensory deprivation as a consequence of years confined within a ship. Thus, in this manner, many of the crew are able to retain their sanity. I might add here there are no direct references in the novel regarding drugs - quite a development recognizing the widespread use of a vast variety of drugs, both legal and illegal, currently very much part of daily life in countries like the US.
HUMAN NATURE
Many are the reflections on human nature and humankind's place in the universe. At one point, a crew member shares this thought: "A shipful of witches, devils, vampires, goblins, bogles, and spooks screaming their way down the sky toward the Black Sabbath. Well, aren't we?" That's one way of looking at it; however, I don't think I'm giving away too much by saying Poul Anderson enjoys his sf stories complete with a number of space heroes. Pick up a copy of Tau Zero and read all about it.
American science Fiction author Poul Anderson, 1926-2001
“Who can we trust with a monopoly of the planet killer weapons and unlimited powers of inspection and arrest? Why, a country big and modern enough to make peace-keeping a major industry; but not big enough to conquer anyone else or force its will on anyone without the support of a majority of nations; and reasonably well thought of by everyone. In short, Sweden.”
― Poul Anderson, Tau Zero
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