Synopses & Reviews
The constants of nature the numbers that define the are universe. They tell us how strong its forces are and what its fundamental laws can do: the strength of gravity and magnetism, the speed of light, and the masses of the smallest particles. They encode the deepest secrets of the universe, and their existence tells us that nature abounds with unseen regularities. But while we have become skilled at measuring the values of these constants, our inability to explain or predict them shows how much we still have to learn about the workings of the cosmos.
Are constants of nature truly constant? Are they linked? Could life have evolved and persisted if they were different? Are they everywhere the same? The Constants of Nature grapples with these and other issues, looking back to the impact their discovery had on scientists like Einstein and forward to new theories on the higher dimensions of space. It also delves into tantalizing new astronomical observations that suggest some constants were different when the universe was younger. So are our laws of nature slowly changing? Is anything immune from the ravages of time? Are there any constants of nature at all? In this enlightening and accessible narrative, John Barrow provides a unique look at the latest thinking about these dramatic questions.
Review
"Barrow acknowledges that this field is very much in a state of flux, explaining what is known in a readable fashion for nonspecialists - though he does assume a moderate degree of scientific literacy on the part of his readers." Library Journal
Review
"The innumerate will flee in terror, but those with an interest in mathematical history and the strange magic of numbers should find this a satisfying excursion." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"[A]n exemplary popular presentation of high-level science." Booklist
Review
"Barrow shows a genuine talent for writing in a prose-like style, which should appeal to both laymen and scientists. He has this uncanny knack for presenting difficult topics in a very understandable way, and although there are some formulas and terms that may be hard to grasp, this does not weaken this book in any way." Hypography Sci-Tech
Synopsis
A foremost physicist and author of the bestselling "Theories of Everything" and "Impossibility" examines what the constants of nature reveal about the inner workings of the universe. 40 drawings.
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. [293]-342) and index.
Synopsis
A major contribution to our understanding of the basic laws of the universe -- from the author of
The Book of Nothing.
The constants of nature are the fundamental laws of physics that apply throughout the universe: gravity, velocity of light, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics. They encode the deepest secrets of the universe, and express at once our greatest knowledge and our greatest ignorance about the cosmos.
Their existence has taught us the profound truth that nature abounds with unseen regularities. Yet while we have become skilled at measuring the values of these constants, our frustrating inability to explain or predict their values shows how much we have still to learn about inner workings of the universe.
What is the ultimate status of these constants of nature? Are they truly constant? And are there other universes where they are different?
John D. Barrow, one of our foremost mathematicians and cosmologists, discusses the latest thinking about these and many more dramatic issues in this accessible and thought-provoking book.
About the Author
John D. Barrow, a distinguished scientist and popular science author, is Professor of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Cambridge. His bestselling books include Theories of Everything, Impossibility and The Book of Nothing.
Table of Contents
Before the beginning -- Journey towards ultimate reality -- Superhuman standards -- Further, deeper, fewer: The quest for a theory of everything -- Eddington's unfinished symphony -- The mystery of the very large numbers -- Biology and the stars -- The anthropic principle -- Altering constants and rewriting history -- New dimensions -- Variations on a constant theme -- Reach for the sky -- Other worlds and big questions.