About the authors EUGENE F. MALLOVE, ScD, holds advanced degrees in astronautical engineering and environmental science. He is the Chief Science Writer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a nationally syndicated columnist whose articles have frequently appeared in major newspapers including the Washington Post. His recent book, The Quickening Universe, which deals with the origin, evolution, and destiny of the universe, has earned him the reputation of being one of the most stimulating writers on scientific and scientifical/philosophical issues working today. GREGORY LEE MATLOFF, PhD, is Chairman of the Department of Mathematics, St. Hilda's and St. Hugh's School, and Adjunct Professor at Long Island University. He has been a professor at Pace University and The City University of New York, and is currently Official Astronomer for The New York Citi Department of Parks and Recreation. Dr. Matloff is the author of numerous technical and popular articles on interstellar travel and has served as a consultant in atmospheric science to NASA.