In the bestselling The Physics of Star Trek, the renowned theoretical physicist Lawrence Krauss took readers on an entertaining and eye-opening tour of the Star Trek universe to see how it stacked up against the real universe. Now, responding to requests for more as well as to a number of recent exciting discoveries in physics and astronomy, Krauss takes a provocative look at how the laws of physics relate to notions from our popular culture -- not only Star Trek, but other films, shows, and popular lore -- from Independence Day to Star Wars to The X-Files.

• What's the difference between a flying saucer and a flying pretzel?
• Why didn't the aliens in Independence Day have to bother invading Earth to destroy it?
• What's new with warp drives?
• What's the most likely scenario for doomsday?
• Are ESP and telekinesis impossible?
• What do clairvoyance and time travel have in common?
• How might quantum mechanics ultimately affect the fate of life in the universe?