Synopses & Reviews
In this volume, six leading cosmologists provide a current "state of the universe" report: what we have learned about its nature, but also what pieces are still missing from the cosmic puzzle. The roster of contributors reads like a Who's Who of modern cosmology: A. P. Lightman, Robert P. Kirshner, Margaret J. Geller, Vera C. Rubin, Alan Guth, and James Gunn. The book is an excellent overview of the big questions facing modern cosmology. It does not require a background in physics, so any lay reader who appreciates astronomy and the study of the cosmos will enjoy this lively discussion.
Review
"Everything you wanted to know about the Universe and more would be an apt summing up of this excellent text." Journal of the British Astronomical Association
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"...highly recommended for those who wish to learn about some of the current ideas being put forward by cosmologists..." Astronomy Now
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"...well written, readable, and authoritative." Science Books and Films
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"...this is a fine introduction to the methods and ideas with which humanity is exploring the furthest reaches of the cosmos." Mercury
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"...a handy, fairly up-to-date account of these cosmic affairs and well worth a read." Griffith Observer
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"...a mindstretcher that brings you up-to-date about our conception of the universe..." The Science Teacher
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"...a very interesting book written for a lay audience...I strongly recommend it for all those who are fascinated by the Universe..." André Roberge, Physics in Canada
Synopsis
In this volume, six leading cosmologists provide a current 'state of the universe' report, examining what we know about the universe, and what pieces are still missing from the cosmic puzzle.
Table of Contents
1. Discovering the universe: an introduction Alan P. Lightman; 2. Measuring the universe: redshifts and standard candles Robert P. Kirshner; 3. Mapping the universe: slices and bubbles Margarer J. Geller; 4. Weighing the universe: dark matter and missing mass Vera C. Rubin; 5. Starting the universe: the Big Bang and cosmic inflation Alan H. Guth; 6. Expanding the universe: Space Telescope and beyond in the next twenty years James E. Gunn; Index.