Pair Production in Physics
In its January 2008 issue, the British magazine Physics World ran a short item about Merva and Tamar Arieli, identical twin sisters who are both graduate students in physics. It said "Physics World knows of only one other pair of identical-twin physicists-- the particle-physicist brothers Fayyazuddin and Riazuddin from Pakistan."
Well, I knew of another pair.
My letter has now appeared in the April 2008 issue, on page 18:
Regarding "Twin paradox" in your January 2008 issue, another notable pair of physicists, who are also identical twins, comes to mind: James and Gregory Benford.
James Benford is the CEO of Microwave Sciences and co-author of the book High Power Microwaves.
Gregory Benford is professor of physics at the University of California, Irvine, with research interests in plasma physics and astrophysics. He is also an award-winning science fiction novelist, with Timescape, The Martian Race, In the Ocean of Night, and The Sunborn among his works. He has also written nonfiction books and articles, even one for Physics World (in February 1991).
They were born in Mobile, Alabama in 1941. As teenagers, the brothers distinguished themselves in the world of science fiction fans in co-editing on the fanzine Void. Both embarked upon careers in physics, and they have continued to collaborate occasionally.
Well, I knew of another pair.
My letter has now appeared in the April 2008 issue, on page 18:
Regarding "Twin paradox" in your January 2008 issue, another notable pair of physicists, who are also identical twins, comes to mind: James and Gregory Benford.
James Benford is the CEO of Microwave Sciences and co-author of the book High Power Microwaves.
Gregory Benford is professor of physics at the University of California, Irvine, with research interests in plasma physics and astrophysics. He is also an award-winning science fiction novelist, with Timescape, The Martian Race, In the Ocean of Night, and The Sunborn among his works. He has also written nonfiction books and articles, even one for Physics World (in February 1991).
They were born in Mobile, Alabama in 1941. As teenagers, the brothers distinguished themselves in the world of science fiction fans in co-editing on the fanzine Void. Both embarked upon careers in physics, and they have continued to collaborate occasionally.