Synopses & Reviews
Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About the Big Bang!
"If you've ever wondered why scientists believe such a far-fetched story as the big bang, this is the book for you. Karen Fox's easygoing account explains why big bang theory is more than mere mythology-and why the centuries-old struggles of astronomers and physicists have led to a compelling portrait of the universe's fiery birth."-Charles Seife, author of Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea
"A painless introduction for anyone interested in the mysteries surrounding the birth of the universe. It's a lively and gracefully written story, conveying the essence of modern cosmology, sprinkled with the human wrinkles that keep the enterprise intriguing."-Tom Siegfried, author of The Bit and the Pendulum: From Quantum Computing to M Theory-The New Physics of Information
"A funny, sobering history of the first lunatics who thought they understood the universe . . . and the most recent ones, who may actually have it right."-David Kestenbaum, NPR Science Correspondent
The Big Bang Theory takes a compelling and lively look at one of the most fascinating ideas in modern science. The first in a series of fun, concise books on the most significant scientific theories, The Big Bang Theory offers an accessible and complete road map to the most intriguing model yet for the birth of the cosmos.
Review
“…this is the first book in a proposed series that examines the big questions in science. If the other authors tackle their topics with such objectivity, clarity and verve, the series should be a resounding success…” (
Astronomy and Space, March 2005)
"the layout of the book is first class.... A first rate book , having a permanent place in my library and I look forward to reading future work by the author..." (BBC Three Counties Radio - quote from transcript, 27 May 2002)
"…This is a book very much intended for the non-specialist and it can be recommended as a lightweight and light-hearted introduction to the field…" (The Observatory Magazine, December 2002)
"...An insight into the best theory so far to explain the universe we see today..." (Astronomy Now, January 2003)
Synopsis
A lively, accessible look at the Big Bang theory
This compelling book describes how the Big Bang theory arose, how it has evolved, and why it is the best theory so far to explain the current state of the universe. In addition to understanding the birth of the cosmos, readers will learn how the theory stands up to challenges and what it fails to explain. Karen Fox provides clear answers to some of the hardest questions including: Why was the Big Bang theory accepted to begin with? Will the Big Bang theory last into the next century or even the next decade? Is the theory at odds with new scientific findings? One of the most well-known theories in modern science, the Big Bang is the most accurate model yet devised in humanity's tireless serach for the ultimate moment of creation. The Big Bang Theory is the first title in a planned series on the major theories of modern science.
About the Author
KAREN C. FOX is the author of Chain Reaction and a regular contributor to Discovery Channel Online, ABCNews.com, and Science and Hope magazines.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments.
Introduction.
PART I: HOW WE CAME TO BELIEVE THE BIG BANG THEORY.
1. The First Cosmologies.
2. The Birth of the Big Bang.
3. The Search for Proof.
Interlude: Popular Reactions.
PART II: HOW GOOD A THEORY IS IT?
4. Scientific Reactions.
5. Glitches.
6. Current and Future Research.
7. The Edge of the Unknown.
A Big Bang Timeline.
Notes.
Glossary.
Bibliography.
Index.