Cosmology and the universe Books

Book SynopsisIs there a secret visual language all around us? What's so special about the shape of the Great Pyramid? Why is there something so sixy about circles? How many ways can you tile the plane? Lavishly illustrated by the author, this enchanting small introduction to one of the oldest and most widely-used ancient traditions on Earth will forever change the way you look at a triangle, arch, window, fabric repeat, ceramic pattern, graphic design, painting, spiral or flower. WOODEN BOOKS are small but packed with information. "Fascinating" FINANCIAL TIMES. "Beautiful" LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS. "Rich and Artful" THE LANCET. "Genuinely mind-expanding" FORTEAN TIMES. "Excellent" NEW SCIENTIST. "Stunning" NEW YORK TIMES. Small books, big ideas.

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Book SynopsisIn A Brief History of Black Holes, award-winning University of Oxford researcher Dr Becky Smethurst charts five hundred years of scientific breakthroughs in astronomy and astrophysics.'A jaunt through space history . . . with charming wit and many pop-culture references' – BBC Sky At Night Magazine Right now, you are orbiting a black hole.The Earth orbits the Sun, and the Sun orbits the centre of the Milky Way: a supermassive black hole, the strangest and most misunderstood phenomenon in the galaxy.In this cosmic tale of discovery, Dr Becky Smethurst takes us from the earliest observations of the universe and the collapse of massive stars, to the iconic first photographs of a black hole and her own published findings.She explains why black holes aren’t really ‘black’, that you never ever want to be ‘spaghettified’, how black holes are more like sofa cushions than hoovers and why, beyond the event horizon, the future is a direction in space rather than in time.Told with humour and wisdom, this captivating book describes the secrets behind the most profound questions about our universe – all hidden inside black holes.Trade ReviewA jaunt through space history . . . with charming wit and many pop culture references * BBC Sky At Night Magazine *A lot of astrophysics is packed into this neat little book -- Jim Al-Khalili on Space: 10 Things You Should KnowBite-sized, cutting edge science delivered with enormous enthusiasm -- Chris Lintott on Space: 10 Things You Should KnowA fantastic read . . . there's certainly a lot to suck you in (unlike black holes, of course) * Popular Mechanics *

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Book SynopsisDavid Christian, creator of Big History (''My favourite course of all time'' Bill Gates), brings us the epic story of the universe and our place in it, from 13.8 billion years ago to the remote future''Nails home the point: Life is a miracle ... A compelling history of everything'' Washington Post ''Spectacular'' Carlo RovelliHow did we get from the Big Bang to today''s staggering complexity, in which seven billion humans are connected into networks powerful enough to transform the planet? And why, in comparison, are our closest primate relatives reduced to near-extinction? Big History creator David Christian gives the answers in a mind-expanding cosmological detective story told on the grandest possible scale. He traces how, during eight key thresholds, the right conditions have allowed new forms of complexity to arise, from stars to galaxies, Earth to homo sapiens, agriculture to fossil fuels. This last mega-innovation gave us an energy bonanza that brought huge benefits to mankind, yet also threatens to shake apart everything we have created.''Rather like the Big Bang, the book is awe-inspiring ... Superb'' The Times''With fascinating ideas on every page and the page-turning energy of a good thriller, this is a landmark work'' Sir Ken Robinson, author of The ElementTrade ReviewIf you read one book this year, make it this one -- Fareed Zakaria, CNNA journey through billions of years that nails home the point: Life is a miracle ... [A] remarkably cogent and compelling history of everything * Washington Post *Rather like the Big Bang, the book is awe-inspiring. The processes it describes are all familiar, but I'd never seen them explained with such clarity and verve ... Superb -- Gerard Degroot * The Times *[Origin Story is] long-haul science with wit and oomph * Nature *Christian tells this story very well, providing, in effect, a short course in modern science. This is a brief history of the universe, and an excellent one * Wall Street Journal *I have long been a fan of David Christian. In Origin Story, he elegantly weaves evidence and insights from many scientific and historical disciplines into a single, accessible historical narrative -- Bill GatesIn Origin Story, David Christian has found a spectacular way to use history to put order in the entire set of our knowledge about the world. This is a wonderful achievement -- Carlo Rovelli * author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics and The Order of Time *Origin Story is a majestic distillation of our current understanding of the birth of the universe, of the solar system, of the oceans, of mountains and minerals, of all life on earth and of the driving dynamics of human culture and achievement. All of this in just over 300 pages of captivating prose that weaves together innumerable insights from the sciences, arts and humanities. With fascinating ideas on every page and the page turning energy of a good thriller, this is a landmark work that comes at a time when it has never been more important for humanity to have a clearer, more informed understanding of our place on earth and of the earth's place in the cosmos. A spellbinding synthesis -- Ken Robinson * educator and bestselling author of The Element and You, Your Child and School *A remarkable book that puts us self-important humans in our proper place in the cosmos, yet also explains why the story of human culture and knowledge - what Christian calls collective learning - matters for understanding our present world and shaping its future -- Merry Wiesner-Hanks, President of the World History Association

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Book SynopsisExplores the interplay between ancient wisdom and modern cosmology Is the universe inert and empty space, or is it some way responsive to consciousness? Breathing new life into a question that has perplexed philosophers since ancient times and scientists for the last century, physicist Zhen G. Ma, Ph.D., offers a quantitative “theory of everything” that beautifully integrates ancient I Ching philosophy, Eastern Taoism, modern cosmology, and the quantum brain dynamics of consciousness. Sharing insights from his years of research on space physics and black-hole spacetime at institutions in China, Canada, and the US, complemented by studies in quantum brain dynamics and cosmological powers with Brian Swimme at the California Institute of Integral Studies, Dr. Ma explains how his integrated theory draws primarily on two key paradigms in the philosophy of cosmology and consciousness: Swimme’s cosmic creation story of the universe as a green d

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Book SynopsisThe Universe Within is a thrilling journey from today all the way back to the Big Bang, which shows the deep connections between the human body and the universe, from Neil Shubin, author of Your Inner FishWhat links the birth of the moon to our body clocks? How did the creation of the Atlantic Ocean affect how we have children? What does the water inside us and on Earth have to do with the deepest stretches of space? Humanity''s status in the cosmos can seem insignificant. Yet, as Neil Shubin shows, the one place where the universe, solar system and planet merge is inside your body. Exploring the smallest atomic structures and vastest reaches of space, Shubin uncovers a sublime truth: that in every one of us lies the most profound story of all - how we and our world came to be.Neil Shubin is a palaeontologist in the great tradition of his mentors, Ernst Mayr and Stephen Jay Gould. He has discovered fossils around the world that have changed the way we tTrade ReviewShubin is not only a distinguished scientist, but a wonderfully lucid and elegant writer; he is an irrepressibly enthusiastic teacher ... a science writer of the first rank -- Oliver SacksGlorious, uplifting ... It tracks the very atoms in our bodies back to the Big Bang, and shows how all the molecules that comprise us have roots in the formation of Earth ... What is special about the book is its sweep, its scope, its panorama * Wall Street Journal *

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Book SynopsisA BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK''A stunning and unforgettable voyage through the stars'' STEPHEN FRY''Trotta writes like a poet'' WALL STREET JOURNAL''Will leave readers viewing the stars with fresh eyes'' MARTIN REES''A powerful call to preservation'' SEAN CARROLLA sweeping inquiry into how the night sky has shaped what it means to be human.One of our species'' most enduring and universal relationships is with the night sky itself. Across the ages, the stars have served as clocks, maps, compasses, muses and gods, defining our laws of reality and our dreams of the sublime. How radically different would we be if we looked to the night sky and saw . . . nothing? Leading cosmologist Roberto Trotta explores how stargazing has shaped the course of civilisation and offers a dramatic alternate history - imagining how a world without stars would change our understanding of scien

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Book Synopsis Perfect for stargazers and armchair astronomers of all ages, CONSTELLATIONS is a beautifully illustrated, fascinatingguide to all 88 constellations, including an illustrated star map for each. In CONSTELLATIONS, award-winning astronomy writer Govert Schilling takes us on an unprecedented visual tour of all 88 constellations in our night sky. Much more than just a stargazer''s guide, CONSTELLATIONS is complete history of astronomy as told by Schilling through the lens of each constellation. The book is organized alphabetically by constellation. Profiles of each constellation include basic information such as size, visibility, and number of stars, as well as information on the discovery and naming of the constellation and associated lore. Beyond details about the constellation itself is information about every astronomical event that took place or discovery made in the vicinity o

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Book SynopsisProfessor Stephen Hawking has been at the heart of this new scientific renaissance.Now, in The Universe in a Nutshell, beautifully illustrated with original artwork commissioned for this project, Stephen Hawking brings us fully up-to-date with the advances in scientific thinking.Trade ReviewA Brief History of Time has now sold an estimated nine million copies worldwide - something of a hard act for its author to follow. In what is being promoted as the 'sequel' to that book, Professor Hawking gives an account of his attempt to combine Einstein's Theory of Relativity with Richard Feynman's idea of multiple histories, in order to reach the grail of a Theory of Everything - or big TOE, as it's charmingly named. This is a book about superstrings and p-branes, holography and supergravity, about how the 'cosmic seed' from which our universe derived was as small as a nut. The publishers are not yet releasing much text, but enough to see that it will be a fascinating (if challenging) read. And one enhanced throughout with 200 striking full colour illustrations and jazzed-up diagrams.

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 About This Book 2 Foolish Assumptions 2 Icons Used in This Book 3 Beyond the Book 3 Where to Go from Here 4 Part 1: Getting Started with Astronomy 5 Chapter 1: Seeing the Light: The Art and Science of Astronomy 7 Astronomy: The Science of Observation 8 What You See: The Language of Light 10 They wondered as they wandered: Understanding planets versus stars 10 If you see a Great Bear, start worrying: Naming stars and constellations 12 The smaller, the brighter: Getting to the root of magnitudes 19 What do I spy? Spotting the Messier Catalog and other sky objects 20 Looking back on light-years 22 Keep on moving: Figuring the positions of the stars 23 Gravity: A Force to Be Reckoned With 26 Space: A Commotion of Motion 27 Chapter 2: Join the Crowd: Skywatching Activities and Resources 29 You’re Not Alone: Astronomy Clubs, Websites, Smartphone Apps, and More 30 Joining an astronomy club for star-studded company 30 Checking websites, magazines, software, and apps 31 Visiting Observatories and Planetariums 35 Ogling the observatories 35 Popping in on planetariums 39 Vacationing with the Stars: Star Parties, Eclipse Trips, Dark Sky Parks, and More 39 Party on! Attending star parties 40 Getting festive at an astro fest 42 Tapping into Astronomy on Tap 42 To the path of totality: Taking eclipse cruises and tours 42 Motoring to telescope motels 44 Chapter 3: Terrific Tools for Observing the Skies 47 Seeing Stars: A Sky Geography Primer 48 As Earth turns 48 keep an eye on the North Star 51 Beginning with Naked-Eye Observations 53 Using Binoculars or a Telescope for a Better View 56 Binoculars: Sweeping the night sky 56 Telescopes: When closeness counts 60 Planning Your First Steps into Astronomy 70 Chapter 4: Just Passing Through: Meteors, Comets, and Artificial Satellites 73 Meteors: Wishing on a Shooting Star 74 Spotting sporadic meteors, fireballs, and bolides 75 Watching meteor showers: No umbrella needed 77 Comets: Dirty Ice Balls or Icy Dirt Balls? 81 Making heads and tails of a comet’s structure 82 Waiting for the “comets of the century” 86 Hunting for the next great comet 87 Artificial Satellites: Enduring a Love–Hate Relationship 90 Skywatching for artificial satellites 91 Finding satellite viewing predictions 92 UFOs: Could some be aliens? 94 Part 2: Going Once Around the Solar System 95 Chapter 5: A Matched Pair: Earth and Its Moon 97 Putting Earth under the Astronomical Microscope 98 One of a kind: Earth’s unique characteristics 98 Spheres of influence: Earth’s distinct regions 100 Examining Earth’s Time, Seasons, and Age 102 Orbiting for all time 102 Tilting toward the seasons 104 Estimating Earth’s age 106 Making Sense of the Moon 107 Get ready to howl: Identifying phases of the Moon 108 In the shadows: Watching lunar eclipses 110 Cultivating an interest in the occult(ations) 112 Hard rock: Surveying lunar geology 113 Quite an impact: Considering a theory about the Moon’s origin 119 Chapter 6: Earth’s Near Neighbors: Mercury, Venus, and Mars 121 Mercury: Weird, Hot, and Mostly Metal 122 Dry, Acidic, and Hilly: Piercing the Veil of Venus 123 Dropping the ball: Probing Venus with DAVINCI+ and EnVision 125 Something in the air: Life in Venus’s clouds? 125 Red, Cold, and Barren: Uncovering the Mysteries of Mars 125 Where have almost all the air and water gone? (Long time passing) 126 Does Mars support life? 128 Differentiating Earth through Comparative Planetology 131 Observing the Terrestrial Planets with Ease 132 Understanding elongation, opposition, and conjunction 133 Viewing Venus and its phases 135 Watching Mars as it loops around 137 Outdoing Copernicus by observing Mercury 139 Chapter 7: Rock On: The Asteroid Belt and Near-Earth Objects 141 Taking a Brief Tour of the Asteroid Belt 141 Getting the Dirt on (and off) Asteroids 145 Understanding the Threat That Near-Earth Objects Pose 146 When push comes to shove: Nudging an asteroid 148 Forewarned is forearmed: Surveying NEAs to protect Earth 149 Searching for Small Points of Light 150 Helping to track an occultation 151 Timing an asteroidal occultation 152 Chapter 8: Great Balls of Gas: Jupiter and Saturn 153 The Pressure’s On: Journeying Inside Jupiter and Saturn 153 Almost a Star: Gazing at Jupiter 154 Scanning for the Great Red Spot 156 Shooting for Galileo’s moons 157 Our Main Planetary Attraction: Setting Your Sights on Saturn 161 Ringing around the planet 162 Storm chasing across Saturn 164 Monitoring a moon of major proportions 164 Venting about geysers on Enceladus 166 Chapter 9: Far Out! Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Beyond 169 Breaking the Ice with Uranus and Neptune 169 Bull’s-eye! Tilted Uranus and its features 170 Against the grain: Neptune and its biggest moon 171 Meeting Pluto, the Amazing Dwarf Planet 173 Defining Pluto the geophysical way 174 Getting to the heart of Pluto 174 Looking at Pluto’s makeup 177 The moon chip doesn’t float far from the planet 177 Buckling Down to the Kuiper Belt 178 Viewing the Outer Planets 180 Sighting Uranus 180 Distinguishing Neptune from a star 180 Straining to see Pluto 181 Hunting New Planet Number Nine 182 Part 3: Starting with Old Sol: Meeting Stars And Galaxies 185 Chapter 10: The Sun: Star of Earth 187 Surveying the Sunscape 188 The Sun’s size and shape: A great bundle of gas 189 The Sun’s regions: Caught between the core and the corona 189 Solar activity: What’s going on out there? 192 Solar wind: Playing with magnets 196 Solar CSI: The mystery of the missing solar neutrinos 197 Four billion and counting: The life expectancy of the Sun 198 Don’t Make a Blinding Mistake: Safe Techniques for Solar Viewing 199 Viewing the Sun by projection 199 Viewing the Sun through front-end filters 204 Fun with the Sun: Solar Observation 206 Tracking sunspots 206 Experiencing solar eclipses 208 Surfing solar observatories 212 Chapter 11: Taking a Trip to the Stars 215 Life Cycles of the Hot and Massive 216 Young stellar objects: Taking baby steps 217 Main sequence stars: Enjoying a long adulthood 218 Red giants and supergiants: Big and bigger 219 Closing time: Coming up on the tail end of stellar evolution 220 Star Color, Brightness, and Mass 226 Spectral types: What color is my star? 227 Star light, star bright: Luminosity classifications 228 The brighter they burn, the bigger they swell: Mass determines class 229 Making sense of the H-R diagram 230 Eternal Partners: Binary and Multiple Stars 232 Binary stars and the Doppler effect 232 Two stars are binary, but three’s a crowd: Multiple stars 234 Change Is Good: Variable Stars 235 Go the distance: Pulsating stars 236 Explosive neighbors: Flare stars 238 Nice to nova: Exploding stars 238 Stellar hide-and-seek: Eclipsing binary stars 241 Hog the starlight: Microlensing events 242 Your Stellar Neighbors 242 How to Help Scientists by Observing the Stars 245 Chapter 12: Galaxies: The Milky Way and Beyond 247 Unwrapping the Milky Way 248 How and when did the Milky Way form? 249 What shape is the Milky Way? 249 Where can you find the Milky Way? 251 Star Clusters: Meeting Galactic Associates 252 A loose fit: Open clusters 253 A tight squeeze: Globular clusters 255 Fun while it lasted: OB associations 256 Taking a Shine to Nebulas 257 Picking out planetary nebulas 259 Breezing through supernova remnants 261 Enjoying Earth’s best nebular views 261 Getting a Grip on Galaxies 264 Surveying spiral, barred spiral, and lenticular galaxies 265 Examining elliptical galaxies 266 Looking at irregular, dwarf, and low surface brightness galaxies 267 Gawking at great galaxies 268 Discovering the Local Group of galaxies 271 Checking out clusters of galaxies 272 Sizing up superclusters, cosmic voids, and great walls 272 Chapter 13: Falling for Black Holes and Quasars 275 Black Holes: Keeping Your Distance 275 Looking over the black hole roster 276 Poking around the black hole interior 277 Surveying a black hole’s surroundings 280 Warping space and time 281 Detecting black hole collisions 283 Watching stars get swallowed by black holes 284 Quasars: Defying Definitions 285 Measuring the size of a quasar 286 Getting up to speed on jets 287 Exploring quasar spectra 287 Active Galactic Nuclei: Welcome to the Quasar Family 288 Sifting through different types of AGN 288 Examining the power behind AGN 290 Questioning what ORCs are 291 Part 4: Pondering the Remarkable Universe 293 Chapter 14: Planets of Other Suns: Is Anybody Out There? 295 Discovering Alien Worlds 296 Changing ideas on exoplanets 296 Finding exoplanets 298 Meeting the (exo)planets 302 Catching Proxima fever: Focusing on red dwarfs 305 Finding Earth-class planets orbiting TRAPPIST-1 307 Checking out planets for fun and science 308 Astrobiology: How’s Life on Other Worlds? 309 Extremophiles: Living the hard way 309 Seeking life in the solar system 310 Using Drake’s Equation to Discuss SETI 313 SETI Projects: Listening for E.T. 316 The flight of Project Phoenix 317 Space scanning with other SETI projects 318 Hot targets for SETI 320 SETI@home 321 Chapter 15: Delving into Dark Matter and Antimatter 323 Dark Matter: Understanding the Universal Glue 323 Gathering the evidence for dark matter 324 Debating the makeup of dark matter 328 Taking a Shot in the Dark: Searching for Dark Matter 329 Looking for WIMPs and other microscopic dark matter 329 MACHOs: Making a brighter image 331 Mapping dark matter with gravitational lensing 331 Dueling Antimatter: Proving That Opposites Attract 333 Chapter 16: The Big Bang and the Evolution of the Universe 335 Evidence for the Big Bang 336 Inflation: A Swell Time in the Universe 337 Something from nothing: Inflation and the vacuum 339 Falling flat: Inflation and the shape of the universe 339 Dark Energy: The Universal Accelerator 340 Universal Info Pulled from the Cosmic Microwave Background 341 Finding the lumps in the cosmic microwave background 342 Mapping the universe with the cosmic microwave background 342 In a Galaxy Far Away: Standard Candles and the Hubble Constant 344 Standard candles: How do scientists measure galaxy distances? 344 The Hubble constant: How fast do galaxies really move? 345 The Fate of the Universe 346 Part 5: the Part of Tens 347 Chapter 17: Ten Strange Facts about Astronomy and Space 349 You Have Tiny Meteorites in Your Hair 349 A Comet’s Tail Often Leads the Way 350 Earth Is Made of Rare and Unusual Matter 350 High Tide Comes on Both Sides of Earth at the Same Time 350 On Venus, the Rain Never Falls on the Plain 350 Rocks from Mars Dot Earth 351 Pluto Was Discovered from the Predictions of a Wrong Theory 351 Sunspots Aren’t Dark 351 A Star in Plain View May Have Exploded, But No One Knows 352 The Same Supernova or Quasar May Be Seen in Different Places 352 Chapter 18: Ten Common Errors about Astronomy and Space 353 “The Light from That Star Took 1,000 Light-Years to Reach Earth” 353 There’s No Gravity in Space 354 Summer Comes When Earth Is Closest to the Sun 354 The Back of the Moon Is Dark 354 The “Morning Star” or “Evening Star” Is a Star 355 The Asteroid Belt Is Crowded 355 Nuking a “Killer Asteroid” on a Collision Course for Earth Will Save Us 355 The Sun Is an Average Star 356 The Hubble Space Telescope Gets Up Close and Personal 356 The Big Bang Is Dead 356 Part 6: Appendixes 357 Appendix A: Star Maps 359 Appendix B: Glossary 367 Index 373

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Book SynopsisExtraterrestrial life is a common theme inscience fiction, but is it a serious prospect in the real world? Astrobiologyis the emerging field of science that seeks to answer this question.The possibility of life elsewhere in the cosmosis one of the most profound subjects that human beings can ponder. AstrophysicistAndrew May gives an expert overview of our current state of knowledge, lookingat how life started on Earth, the tell-tale 'signatures' it produces, and howsuch signatures might be detected elsewhere in the Solar System or on the many 'exoplanets'now being discovered by the Kepler and TESS missions.Along the way the book addresses key questions such as the riddle of Fermi'sparadox ('Where is everybody?') and the crucial role of DNA and water - they'reessential to 'life as we know it', but is the same true of alien life? And the reallybig question: when we eventually find extraterrestrials, will they be friendlyor hostile?

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling author of Fermat’s Last Theorem and The Code Book tells the story of the brilliant minds that deciphered the mysteries of the Big Bang. A fascinating exploration of the ultimate question: how was our universe created?Trade Review'Comprehensive yet eminently comprehensible … Singh explains even the most complicated ideas with subtlety, grace and wit.' Economist '[Singh] is a gifted expositor, ready to venture to places other science popularisers don't even try to reach.' Mail on Sunday 'Singh's unerring eye for picturesque anecdotes and his capacity for simplifying complex scientific ideas is a winning formula' Sunday Telegraph Singh presents a tightly structured history of the key players in humankind's realisation of how much space really is out there. As Singh shows, coming up with a theory of how the universe began is possibly the most creative thing of all.' Guardian 'Singh is a very gifted story teller who never misses a chance to make his subject clearer of more entertaining … Singh is also fastidious about crediting the true pioneers of science … a brilliant book.' Independent on Sunday

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of The Elegant Universe, Brian Greene''s The Fabric of the Cosmos takes us on an irresistible and revelatory journey through the biggest of the big questions. What is reality? Could we exist without space and time? Can we travel to the past? What are the limits of the universe? Brian Greene has made the mysteries of space and time accessible to millions with his acclaimed writings and award-winning TV series. Now he reveals a world more beautiful and bizarre than we could have imagined, where ''dark matter'' reigns, space warps and wiggles through eleven dimensions, minute particles dance, fizz and teleport across vast distances, everything is made of vibrating strings and, like an ant on a lily-pad, we may be floating on a sliver of spacetime. Revealing new layers of reality that lie just beneath the surface of our everyday lives, this grand tour of the universe will make you look at the world in a completely new way. ''A must-read''  Sunday Times ''Greene takes us to the limits of space and time''  Guardian ''Sends the reader''s imagination hurtling through the universe on an astonishing ride''  The New York Times Brian Greene is well known to many fans as a populariser of theoretical physics. He is the author of the bestselling books about string theory, The Elegant Universe, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction, The Fabric of the Cosmos, and The Hidden Reality. Educated at Harvard and Oxford, he has taught at both Harvard and Cornell and has been Professor of Physics and Mathematics at Columbia University since 1996.

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Book SynopsisIn Our Mathematical Universe, Max Tegmark, one of the most original physicists at work today, leads us on an astonishing journey to explore the mysteries uncovered by cosmology and to discover the nature of realityPart-history of the cosmos, part-intellectual adventure, Our Mathematical Universe travels from the Big Bang to the distant future via parallel worlds, across every possible scale - from the sub-atomic to the intergalactic - showing how mathematics provides the answers to our questions about the world. Where do we come from? What makes the universe the way it is? In essence, why are we here? With dazzling clarity, Max Tegmark ponders these deep mysteries and allows us to grasp the most cutting-edge and mind-boggling theories of physics. What he proposes is an elegant and fascinating idea: that our physical world not only is described by mathematics, but that it is mathematics. ''Our Mathematical Universe is nothing if not impressive. Brilliantly argued and beautifully written, it is never less than thought-provoking about the greatest mysteries of our existence'' - New York Times ''An amazing ride through the rich landscape of contemporary cosmology... Physics could do with more characters like Tegmark... an imaginative intellect and a charismatic presence'' - Clive Cookson, Financial Times Max Tegmark is author or co-author of more than 200 technical papers, twelve of which have been cited more than 500 times. He has featured in dozens of science documentaries, and his work with the SDSS collaboration on galaxy clustering shared the first prize in Science magazine''s Breakthrough of the Year: 2003. He holds a Ph.D from the University of California, Berkeley, and is a physics professor at MIT.Trade ReviewOur Mathematical Universe is nothing if not impressive. Brilliantly argued and beautifully written, it is never less than thought-provoking about the greatest mysteries of our existence * New York Times *An amazing ride through the rich landscape of contemporary cosmology... Physics could do with more characters like Tegmark... an imaginative intellect and a charismatic presence -- Clive Cookson * Financial Times *Tegmark is one of the rock gods of cosmology, a select group of thinkers who are using their mathematical prowess to tear up all our cherished notions about the universe, and replace it with a cosmos that is so bewilderingly weird that it makes the plot of most science-fiction novels look like an Ikea instruction leaflet * Telegraph *Our Mathematical Universe boldly confronts one of the deepest questions: why is mathematics so spectacularly successful at describing the cosmos? Through lively writing and wonderfully accessible explanations, Max Tegmark - one of the world's leading theoretical physicists - guides the reader to a possible answer, and reveals how, if it's right, our understanding of reality itself would be radically altered -- Brian Greene

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Book SynopsisThis volume covers all aspects of cosmology and extragalactic astronomy at an advanced level. Topics are developed in a contemporary fashion, with emphasis on currently active research areas. Containing over one hundred exercises, this text is invaluable for researchers and graduate students of extragalactic astronomy, astrophysics and theoretical physics.Trade Review'The textbook develops all aspects of extragalactic astronomy and cosmology in a detailed and pedagogical way and will be invaluable to researchers and graduate students …'. OrionTable of Contents1. Overview: galaxies and cosmology; 2. Galactic structure and dynamics; 3. Friedmann model of the universe; 4. Thermal history of the universe; 5. Structure formation; 6. Cosmic microwave background radiation; 7. Formation of baryonic structures; 8. Active galactic nuclei; 9. Intergalactic medium and absorption systems; 10. Cosmological observations.

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Book SynopsisCosmic Origins tells the story of how physicists and astronomers have struggled for more than a century to understand the beginnings of our universe, from its origins in the Big Bang to the modern day. The book will introduce the science as a narrative, by telling the story of the scientists who made each major discovery. It will also address and explain aspects of our theories that some cosmologists are still hesitant to accept, as well as gaps in our knowledge and even apparent inconsistencies in our measurements. Clearly written by a master of scientific exposition, this book will fascinate the curious general reader as well as providing essential background reading for college-level courses on physics and astronomy.Table of ContentsIntroduction.- The Expanding Universe.- The Discovery of the Big Bang.- Behind the Veil.- The Dark Universe.- The Age of Precision Cosmology.

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Book SynopsisThere is evidence to suggest that our world and everything in it from snowflakes to maple trees to falling stars and spinning electrons are only ghostly images, projections from a level of reality literally beyond both space and time.'This is the astonishing idea behind the holographic theory of the universe, pioneered by two eminent thinkers: physicist David Bohm, a former protégé of Albert Einstein, and quantum physicist Karl Pribram. The holographic theory of the universe encompasses consciousness and reality as we know them, but can also explain such hitherto unexplained phenomena as telepathy, out-of-body experiences and even miraculous healing.In this remarkable book, Michael Talbot reveals the extraordinary depth and power of the holographic theory of the universe, illustrating how it makes sense of the entire range of experiences within our universe and in other universes beyond our own.Trade Review‘One of the cleverest writers around today…his eclectic mind ranges far into the deepest and often most controversial mysteries of modern science.’ Fred Alan Wolf PhD, author of ‘Taking the Quantum Leap’Table of ContentsPart 1 A remarkable new view of reality: the brain as hologram; the cosmos. Part 2 Mind and body: the holographic model and psychology; I sing the body holographic; a pocketful of miracles; seeing holographically. Part 3 Space and time: time out of mind; travelling in the superhologram; return to the dreamtime.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewA New York Times Bestseller One of Forbes.com's 10 Best Popular Science Books of 2016: Maths, Physics, Chemistry Honorable Mention for the 2017 PROSE Award in Cosmology and Astronomy, Association of American Publishers One of Ars Technica's 12 engrossing nonfiction books from 2016 One of Symmetry Magazine's Physics Books of 2016 One of Men's Journal's 40 Best Books of 2016 "Reading through is akin to receiving a private museum tour from an expert scientist... The authors present challenging content in accessible prose as they lead readers from our solar system to the edge of the visible universe, getting into the how and the what of just about everything there is to know about the cosmos... As Tyson, Strauss, and Gott explain the cutting-edge physics of multiverses, superstring theory, M-theory, and the benefits of colonizing space, even seasoned science readers will learn something new."--Publishers Weekly "As citizens of the cosmos, we are duty bound to explore it. So opine astrophysicists Neil deGrasse Tyson, Michael Struass, and Richard Gott, guides on this bracing expedition through dusty galactic hinterlands and the vast theoretical vistas of Albert Einstein's work."--Nature "All three [authors] write in informal, conversational tones, and the text is sprinkled with genuinely funny non sequiturs, such as a brief rumination on dwarfs versus dwarves and commentary on English-speaking aliens in Star Trek... What the book does very well is to present not just what we know about the universe but how we know it."--Science "An accessible and comprehensive overview of our universe by three eminent astrophysicists... An entertaining introduction to astronomy."--Kirkus "Three of the leading voices in astrophysics take us on a well-illustrated tour that includes Pluto, questions of intelligent life, and whether the universe is infinite."--Philadelphia Inquirer "The text is written in an informal and approachable style, referencing many popular-culture icons... This book will open up some of the newest and most sophisticated concepts in astrophysics to a general audience, helping all of us better understand the universe we live in."--Booklist "This book is anything but another ho-hum book on astrophysics... Unlike many popular scientific books that are very esoteric, this one is more like a conversation between expert and interested lay person... [Welcome to the Universe] will be a great read for any non-scientist but also science curious persons. It is certainly a good book for the teacher of science at any level as well as the high school and college student. Any reader will be able to see how some complex scientific thoughts fit together."--NSTA Recommends "Their laudable goal is communicating vast, cosmic ideas in ways that are accessible without being simplistic."--Washington Post "If you have a passing interest in astrophysics and would like to deepen it, this book is for you... An authoritative book written with humour and charm."--Marcus Chown, Times Higher Education "This is an important book. Part fascinating story, part reference book, and part astrophysical textbook, the work presents an information-rich summary of the current state of human knowledge of the cosmos... Reading this book, which packages many entertaining treatments of concepts in astronomy and astrophysics, will make you a whole lot smarter about how the universe works. It is highly recommended."--David Eicher, Astronomy.com "The authors remind us that even though people are not the center of the universe, we are an intelligent species able to measure, theorize, comprehend, and explore the limits of knowledge. An excellent introduction that will equip readers to follow current astronomical discoveries."--Library Journal "Well written with clear, helpful graphics and glossy pictures accompanying the text. This book would be ideal for those who want a slightly more technical read."--Dr. Chris North, BBC Sky at Night Magazine "Riveting questions fielded by three top astrophysicists in engaging style, with great illustrations and just a handful of equations. They may just have produced the best book about the universe in the universe."--New Scientist "Astrophysicists Neil deGrasse Tyson, Michael Strauss and J. Richard Gott team up for a readable survey of the universe, from our solar system's worlds to cosmic inflation and the multiverse. They don't stint on the details, and yes, there's some math involved, but it's well worth the journey."--Alan Boyle, GeekWire "Don't know the difference between a pulsar and a quasar? Pick up this endlessly fascinating book by three astrophysicists that provides a clear, readable introduction to the inner workings of our universe."--Men's Journal, a 40 Best Books of 2016 selection "Looking like a cross between a textbook and a coffee-table book, Welcome to the Universe is an extremely readable compilation of introductory astronomy lectures for non-science students... Their talks present physics with clarity and a little levity--with references to pop culture items such as Toy Story and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. Gott even tackles time travel. What's not to like?"--Symmetry Magazine, a Physics Book of 2016 selection "Welcome to the Universe is going to turn your head around, because, frankly, what you think you know about the universe is probably wrong... Welcome to the Universe deserves numerous curtain calls for allowing the cosmos to embrace our existential thinking like a great Whitmanesque hug."--Peter Lewis, Philadelphia Inquirer "Learn about everything from the birth of the Universe and quasars to dark energy and exoplanets from three of the coolest guys you'll ever meet."--Annalee Newitz, Ars Technica "Welcome to the Universe is more than a breathtaking guide to the cosmos. It is a unique bridge between popular science and textbooks, admirably achieving Tyson's goal to 'empower you to understand the operations of nature.'"--Cosmos Magazine "A unique intergalactic voyage from our solar system to the outermost frontiers of the universe."--Lisa Kaaki, Arab News "This entertaining and enlightening book is an overview of the latest discoveries in astrophysics... The writing is witty yet informative, and the book is beautifully illustrated. [Welcome to the Universe] will appeal to all those who wish to learn more about the universe from three internationally prominent astrophysicists."--Forbes.com "In an informative and entertaining way, the book takes us from the latest discoveries to the edge of outer space, from planets, stars, galaxies, to black holes, wormholes, and time travel."--Wan Lixin, Shanghai Daily "The book's breadth is impressive. It starts with the basics (the size and scale of the universe) and finishes with a discussion of Einstein, general relativity, and the universe's fate... The book's strength is the authors' ability to write conversationally."--Air & Space MagazineTable of ContentsPreface 11 Part I Stars, Planets, and Life 15 1 The Size and Scale of the Universe 17 Neil deGrasse Tyson 2 From the Day and Night Sk y to Planetary Orbits 26 Neil deGrasse Tyson 3 Newton's Laws 42 Michael A. Strauss 4 How Stars Radiate Energy (I) 54 Neil deGrasse Tyson 5 How Stars Radiate Energy (II ) 71 Neil deGrasse Tyson 6 Stellar Spectra 81 Neil deGrasse Tyson 7 The Lives and Deaths of Stars (I) 93 Neil deGrasse Tyson 8 The Lives and Deaths of Stars (II ) 111 Michael A. Strauss 9 Why Pluto Is Not a Planet 126 Neil deGrasse Tyson 10 The Search for Life in the Galaxy 146 Neil deGrasse Tyson Part II Galaxies 171 11 The Interstellar Medium 173 Michael A. Strauss 12 Our Milk y Way 183 Michael A. Strauss 13 The Universe of Galaxies 197 Michael A. Strauss 14 The Expansion of the Universe 207 Michael A. Strauss 15 The Early Universe 222 Michael A. Strauss 16 Quasars and Supermassive Black Holes 241 Michael A. Strauss Part III Einstein and the Universe 255 17 Einstein's Road to Relativity 257 J. Richard Gott 18 Implications of Special Relativity 270 J. Richard Gott 19 Einstein's General Theory of Relativity 289 J. Richard Gott 20 Black Holes 300 J. Richard Gott 21 Cosmic Strings, Wormholes, and Time Travel 321 J. Richard Gott 22 The Shape of the Universe and the Big Bang 347 J. Richard Gott 23 Inflation and Recent Developments in Cosmology 374 J. Richard Gott 24 Our Future in the Universe 400 J. Richard Gott Acknowledgments 425 Appendix 1 Derivation of E = mc 2 427 Appendix 2 Bekenstein, Entropy of Black Holes, and Information 431 Notes 433 Suggested Reading 439 Index 441

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Book SynopsisGravity is one of the four fundamental interactions that exist in nature. It also has the distinction of being the oldest, weakest, and most difficult force to quantize. Understanding gravity is not only essential for understanding the motion of objects on Earth, but also the motion of all celestial objects, and even the expansion of the Universe itself. It was the study of gravity that led Einstein to his profound realisations about the nature of space and time. Gravity is not only universal, it is also essential for understanding the behaviour of the Universe, and all astrophysical bodies within it. In this Very Short Introduction Timothy Clifton looks at the development of our understanding of gravity since the early observations of Kepler and Newtonian theory. He discusses Einstein''s theory of gravity, which now supplants Newton''s, showing how it allows us to understand why the frequency of light changes as it passes through a gravitational field, why GPS satellites need their clocks corrected as they orbit the Earth, and why the orbits of distant neutron stars speed up. Today, almost 100 years after Einstein published his theory of gravity, we have even detected the waves of gravitational radiation that he predicted. Clifton concludes by considering the testing and application of general relativity in astrophysics and cosmology, and looks at dark energy and efforts such as string theory to combine gravity with quantum mechanics.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade Reviewwell worth reading * Physics Education *Table of ContentsREFERENCES; FURTHER READING; INDEX

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Book SynopsisA masterly overview of the development of cosmological thinking from the Greeks, via Newton and Einstein, to the present day.

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Book SynopsisThe mystery of gravity has captivated us for centuries. But what is gravity and how does it work? This engaging book delves into the bizarre and often counter-intuitive world of gravitational physics. Join distinguished astrophysicist Professor Luciano Rezzolla on this virtual journey into Einstein''s world of gravity, with each milestone presenting ever more fascinating aspects of gravitation. Through gentle exposure to concepts such as spacetime curvature and general relativity, you will discover some of the most curious consequences of gravitational physics, such as black holes, neutron stars and gravitational waves. The author presents and explains one of the most impressive scientific achievements of recent times: the first image of a supermassive black hole. Written by one of the key scientists involved in producing these results, you''ll get a behind-the-scenes view of how the image was captured and discover what happens to matter and light near a black hole.Trade Review'The compelling story of one of the most beautiful adventures in physics.' Carlo Rovelli, Université d'Aix-Marseille'Rezzolla's journey to discover black holes is a tour de force through the world of gravity, the single fundamental force that we perceive consciously every day. He is constantly looking for comparisons that will illustrate the unimaginable. This passion for commonplace explanations culminates in analyzing the image of the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy M87. I think Rezzolla's book is extraordinary successful. It takes us on a wonderful journey through the fantastical world of gravitation, which is far wilder than our everyday experience can imagine.' Thomas Bührke, Physics in Our Time'Black holes are mysterious objects. Einstein's theory of relativity predicts their gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape. The author expertly explains the basics of the field, but also gives a sense of how scientific work is done on these highly complex topics in practice. […] The book describes a journey that, of course, is not yet over. Black holes are far from having all their secrets revealed.' Claus Kiefer, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung'What happens in a black hole? Is it the key to everything? Physicist Luciano Rezzolla explains what people can know and where our imagination ends. He has dedicated his research career to gravity, the oldest and most enigmatic of known forces. It holds the world together and gives rise to the most exotic objects.' Robert Gast, Zeit Online'What are 'black holes' and do they exist in our Universe? In his well-written and easy to understand account Prof. Luciano Rezzolla explains to the non-expert reader the basic theoretical ideas and the evolution of the scientific research over the past century. He then reveals how in the last few years we have been able to actually identify these weird but fascinating objects through very high resolution imaging with radio waves, as well as the detection of gravitational waves. This is a good read from a top expert in the field.' Reinhard Genzel, Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics; Nobel laureate in Physics'In recent years there's been a real surge in our knowledge of black holes and their role in the cosmos. Luciano Rezzolla clearly explains the new results, their contexts and the future prospects for research. Having himself been involved in the intricate computer modelling and imaging, he conveys his enthusiasm to the reader through his personal perspective on what it's like to participate in these important discoveries.' Martin Rees, University of Cambridge; author of Gravity's Fatal Attraction'Luciano Rezzolla offers an engaging overview of the powerful role of gravity, as the weakest but most consequential interaction shaping our universe. The narrative is engaging and scientifically accurate, with up-to-date details at the forefront of astrophysics and fundamental physics. Overall, Rezzolla offers the unique gift of a comprehensive, yet pedagogical summary of the latest exciting developments, such as imaging black holes and the use of gravitational waves as a new messenger across the cosmos.' Avi Loeb, Harvard University; author of Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth'Black holes are mysterious objects. Some of their secrets have now been revealed, not least due to the work of this author. In his book, he describes this fascinating story in an understandable, even entertaining, yet scientifically exact way. You will not stop reading until you have reached the final page!' Claus Kiefer, University of Cologne; author of Quantum Gravity and Gravitation'Why do things fall? Starting from this simple question, Rezzolla takes us on a whirlwind tour of gravity, from Galileo and Newton at the birth of modern science, to Einstein's 1915 revolution of warped spacetime. We are brought right up-to-date with the latest news on gravitational waves and black hole imaging, covering a lot of ground in an engaging style. Rezzolla makes the most complex topics accessible to both non-experts and those wanting to become experts.' Geraint Lewis, Sydney Institute for Astronomy; author of The Cosmic Revolutionary's Handbook'A great insider's tale from a member of the team who produced an image hailed as 'the photo of the century'.' Sean Duke, Irish Times'For those interested in an introductory text on observable black hole physics, this is probably the best book on the market. … Highly Recommended.' A. Spero, ChoiceTable of ContentsThe Beginning of the Journey; 1. Gravity...Attracts!; 2. The Fathers of Gravity; 3. Spacetime, Curvature and Gravity; 4. How to Bend Spacetime; 5. Neutron Stars: Wonders of Physics; 6. Black Holes: Champions of Curvature; 7. The First Image of a Black Hole; 8. Gravitational Waves: Curvature in Motion; The End of the Journey; Notes; Index.

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Book Synopsis‘If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe’ - Carl SaganInspired by Sagan’s famous line, How To Make An Apple Pie From Scratch sets out on a journey to unearth everything we know about our universe: how it started, how we found out, and what we still have left to discover . . .‘Witty, approachable and captivating’ - Robin Ince‘A fascinating exploration of how we learned what matter really is’ - Sean CarrollWill we ever be able to understand the very first moments of the world we inhabit? What is matter really made of? How did anything survive the fearsome heat of the Big Bang?In pursuit of answers, we meet the scientists, astronomers and philosophers who brought us to our present understanding of the world – offering readers a front-row seat to the most dramatic journey human beings have ever embarked on.TED Talk speaker and academic Harry Cliff's How To Make An Apple Pie From Scratch is an essential, fresh and funny guide to how we got to where we are now – and what we have to come.‘A delightfully fresh and accessible approach to one of the great quests of science’ - Graham Farmelo‘Lays out not just what we know, but how we found out (and what is left to be discovered’ - Katie MackTrade ReviewCliff's engaging and personable writing style, along with his infectious enthusiasm, follows in the best traditions of Feynman and Sagan . . . a page-turner. -- Jim Al-KhaliliWitty, approachable and captivating . . . Every time you eat a pie, you'll find yourself contemplating the universe and why exactly there is one in the first place - a wild ride through the remarkable adventures and thoughts that have led to a species beginning to work out why it is and why everything else is too. -- Robin InceA fascinating exploration of how we learned what matter really is, and the journey matter takes from the Big Bang, through exploding stars, ultimately to you and me. -- Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of SpacetimeA delightfully fresh and accessible approach to one of the great quests of science . . . Harry Cliff has found a recipe for an easily digestible approach to this subject, and the results go down a treat. -- Graham Farmelo, author of The Strangest ManScience is all about successful recipes and here’s a mouthwateringly good one for life, the universe and everything. The cosmic detail in chef Cliff’s climactic de novo apple pie makes the efforts of celebrity cooks seem thin and insubstantial. -- Roger Highfield, Science Director at the Science MuseumCovers a vast amount of ground whilst remaining easy to read: from the birth of modern chemistry through to the very latest ideas in particle physics. All done with a light-hearted rigour . . . Brilliant. -- Jeff Forshaw, Professor of Particle Physics, University of ManchesterHow to Make an Apple Pie from Scratch lays out not just what we know, but how we found out (and what is left to be discovered), and gives us intriguing glimpses into the lives of the thinkers and tinkerers who put all the pieces together for us. -- Katie Mack, author of The End of Everything[An] outstanding book, sometimes as funny as The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy * Kirkus *Cliff is an expert writer who artfully takes on a complex subject in a comprehensible, entertaining, and humorous manner . . . Highly recommended. * Library Journal *

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Book Synopsis'A STUNNING AND UNFORGETTABLE VOYAGE THROUGH THE STARS' STEPHEN FRYA sweeping inquiry into how the night sky has shaped what it means to be human. One of our species' most enduring and universal relationships has been with the night sky itself - yet in the glow of today's artificial lighting, we have forgotten this intimacy with the cosmos. In Starborn, cosmologist Roberto Trotta reveals how stargazing has shaped the course of civilisation. Origin myths made the Sun into a life-giving creator and the Milky Way a gateway for departed souls. The motion of celestial bodies sustained the illusion that the Earth was at the centre of the cosmos - until looking at them more closely sparked the Scientific Revolution. Across the ages, the stars have served as clocks, maps, compasses, muses, and gods, defining our laws of reality and our dreams of the sublime. How radically different would we be if we looked to the night sky and saw . . . nothing? Trotta also offers a dramatic alternate history, imagining how a world without stars would change our understanding of science, art, and ourselves. Revealing the fundamental connections between astronomy and the story of civilisation, Starborn summons us to lose ourselves in the immeasurable vastness above - and will change how you think of the night sky forever.Trade ReviewA stunning and unforgettable voyage through the stars. Almost every page will make you gulp in astonishment. To be so authoritative and yet so readable and companionable, that is a rare and priceless achievement -- Stephen Fry, actorWe are in danger of losing our night skies, our first and most primal connection to the greater universe around us. Roberto Trotta's rich and poetic book is a powerful call to preservation. By tracing the intimate connections between human history and the stars above, he reminds us that the skies are not only filled with beauty, but also with meaning and promise -- Sean Carroll, author of THE BIGGEST IDEAS IN THE UNIVERSEThe most universal feature of our environment, the starry sky has been wondered at by all human societies since prehistoric times. Roberto Trotta draws on a trove of historical, scientific and literary sources to reveal the often-surprising influences of a cosmic perspective on human lives. A fascinating book, admirable for erudition and style, that will leave readers viewing the stars with fresh eyes -- Professor Martin Rees, Astronomer RoyalStimulating and sobering, a very readable inquiry into the night sky with a broad sweep -- Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, University of OxfordA sweeping tour of humanity's relationship with the night sky, Starborn soars from the historical to the personal. Trotta reveals how our lives are intertwined with the stars, from the exploration of our own planet and the birth of the sciences to how the human gaze turned inward. He also offers fantastical vignettes of what might have been - imagining a world without the heavens - and a clear-eyed view of humankind's current and future connection with Earth and the cosmos -- Professor Emily Levesque, author of THE LAST STARGAZERSWho would've thought the stars were so decisive for humanity? Fascinating and wondrous, the untold starry tale of how we came to be and a stark warning of the starless desolation ahead, should we be unwise enough to neglect our cosmic heritage -- Professor Carissa Véliz, author of PRIVACY IS POWERA fascinating insight into how and why the study of the stars has been central to the human story, and a book for anyone who cares about human culture and where it will be heading next -- Andy Lawrence, author of LOSING THE SKYTrotta writes like a poet, suffusing fact-dense pages with heart and even ardor. Starborn presents an engaging cultural history, salted with well-placed literary reference . . . accessible and enjoyable . . . meticulously researched, with an almost limitless archive of stellar trivia -- Wall Street Journal

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Book SynopsisThe long history of one of physics' most enticing ideas: that the universe we know isn't the only one? Our books, our movies-our imaginations-are obsessed with extra dimensions, alternate timelines, and the sense that all we see might not be all there is. In short, we can't stop thinking about the multiverse. As it turns out, physicists are similarly captivated. In The Allure of the Multiverse, physicist Paul Halpern tells the epic story of how science became besotted with the multiverse, and the controversies that ensued. The questions that brought scientists to this point are big and deep: Is reality such that anything can happen, must happen? How does quantum mechanics "choose" the outcomes of its apparently random processes? And why is the universe habitable? Each question quickly leads to the multiverse. Drawing on centuries of disputation and deep vision, from luminaries like Nietzsche, Einstein, and the creators of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Halpern reveals the multiplicity of multiverses that scientists have imagined to make sense of our reality. Whether we live in one of many different possible universes, or simply the only one there is, might never be certain. But Halpern shows one thing for sure: how stimulating it can be to try to find out.

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Book SynopsisA Sunday Times Book of the YearA New Scientist Gift Pick"Bright, nerdy and funny! Of course I loved it." Dara Ó BriainCan we resurrect dinosaurs? Is a Martian holiday good for your health? Can we build a time machine? (And more importantly, can it look like the DeLorean?)Answering these questions and more, Rick Edwards and Dr Michael Brooks delve into the real science behind the greatest sci-fi movies ever made. From Planet of the Apes to Interstellar, each chapter probes a different classic, blasting apart tricky topics like astrophysics, neuroscience, psychology, botany, artificial intelligence, evolution, and plenty more. Packed with illustrations, bizarre facts and indispensable movie trivia, Science(ish) is the perfect read for curious minds.Trade ReviewBright, nerdy and funny! Of course I loved it. * Dara Ó Briain *Fun, scary answers to the "sci" in sci-fi movies. * The New Scientist *Fascinating and hilarious. * Richard Osman, co-host of Pointless *If you are a geek, a film buff, curious or simply want to know whether you still get BO in space, this is the book you have got to have. * Kate Humble *It's the kind of book I love. -- Joel Dommett * Shortlist *Explores everything from the ins and outs of black holes (Interstellar) to artificial intelligence (Ex Machina)... Edwards and Brooks don't take themselves too seriously and their cartoon heads pop up throughout deconstructing the films wittily while explaining the underlying science simply. * Sunday Times *Deeply funny, academically accomplished, and unfalteringly engaging. Entertaining as it may be, it's difficult to escape the fact that Edwards and Brooks have just made the world of popular science much harder work for the rest of us. * Ben Miller - comedian and author of It’s Not Rocket Science *Table of Contents0: Introduction 1: The Martian 2: Jurassic Park 3: Interstellar 4: Planet of the Apes 5: Back to the Future 6: 28 Days Later 7: The Matrix 8: Gattaca 9: Ex Machina 10: Alien 11: Acknowledgements 12: Index

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisSpace is far bigger than humanity can conceive. Although our ancestors visually examined the skies to make sense of the Universe for centuries, space exploration in its truest sense is just a moment in this historical timeline, yet it is how we've significantly improved our understanding of the cosmos. This book begins with the evolution of astronomy, including notable characters, scientific breakthroughs and pinnacle moments. It delves into the development of robotic spacecraft and what uncrewed and crewed missions have uncovered. It questions how this knowledge will aid us in our future space adventures, and highlights the myriad questions that remain unanswered. From stargazing to stepping on the Moon, and from space stations to the prospect of commercial spaceflight, learn more in Dhara Patel's concise history of space exploration.

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Book SynopsisA "companion to Welcome to the Universe, a ... bestseller that was inspired by the ... introductory astronomy course for non-science majors that Neil deGrasse Tyson, Michael A. Strauss, and J. Richard Gott taught together at Princeton. [It] features more than one hundred problems and exercises used in the original course"--Amazon.com.Trade Review"This book provides a very valuable resource for anyone who wants to acquire a reasonably quantitative understanding of introductory astronomy. The questions cover a broad range of interesting topics, and the solutions are thorough and often enlightening, providing additional insights into the subject matter."—Alex Filippenko, University of California, Berkeley"The difference between a good astronomy course and a great astronomy course is great problems. This book is a gold mine of great problems for introductory astronomy, problems that can be solved with high school algebra and run the gamut from earth-smashing asteroids to neutron stars, black holes, the fate of the universe, and the search for life on other worlds. It will be a valuable resource for anyone teaching introductory astronomy and an exhilarating challenge for students who want to sharpen their wits against the cosmos."—David Weinberg, Ohio State University"A fantastic asset. The hardest part of teaching introductory astronomy courses is writing engaging, informative problems at the appropriate level. This book provides a treasure trove of wonderfully instructive material that is much better than anything else out there. I will be using Tyson, Strauss, and Gott for a long time to come."—James H. Applegate, Columbia University"A marvelous compendium. This companion book demonstrates in a playful manner how, with no more than high school algebra, we can obtain a deeper appreciation of the properties of the infinitely large and small, and deepen our conversation with the cosmos."—Trinh X. Thuan, University of Virginia"A wonderful collection of introductory problems that convey the wonders of the universe and fundamental concepts in astronomy through specific examples and numbers. A fantastic resource for the classroom and aspiring astronomers."—Abraham Loeb, Harvard University"Microorganisms on Europa, colliding black holes, cosmic inflation, and much more are covered in this expansive and thoughtfully selected collection of exciting problems in astrophysics—even a two-dimensional Tardis appears! Both students and experienced astronomers should come away enriched through study of these problems and the techniques presented to crack them."—W. Niel Brandt, Pennsylvania State University

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Book SynopsisSo staggering you go whoa! every few seconds' GuardianReally impressive' Eamonn Holmes, ITV This MorningA companion book to the critically acclaimed BBC series.The bestselling authors of Wonders of the Universe are back with another blockbuster, a groundbreaking exploration of our Solar System as it has never been seen before.Mercury, a lifeless victim of the Sun's expanding power. Venus, once thought to be lush and fertile, now known to be trapped within a toxic and boiling atmosphere. Mars, the red planet, doomed by the loss of its atmosphere. Jupiter, twice the size of all the other planets combined, but insubstantial. Saturn, a stunning celestial beauty, the jewel of our Solar System. Uranus, the sideways planet and the first ice giant. Neptune, dark, cold and whipped by supersonic winds. Pluto, the dwarf planet, a frozen rock.Andrew Cohen and Professor Brian Cox take readers on a voyage of discovery, from the fiery heart of our Solar System, to its mysterious outer reaches. They touch on the latest discoveries that have expanded our knowledge of the planets, their moons and how they come to be.Trade ReviewPraise for The Planets: ‘So staggering you go whoa!’ every few seconds … Cox is the Attenborough of the Solar System’ Guardian ‘Spectacular. [Cox’s] ability to convey maximum information in a clear and minimalist style is so softly winning and persuasive’ The Sunday Times ‘Professor Brian Cox continues to boggle our minds’ Daily Mail ‘It was life affirming, it was perspective shifting. It was beautifully made’ Fearne Cotton, The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, Radio 2 ‘Amazing work’ Emma Barnett, Adrian Chiles, Radio 5 Live ‘Starry-eyed Brian Cox is the only man for this job’ The Times ‘Wow’ Evening Standard ‘The professor makes us marvel at life on Earth’ iNews ‘Excellent … a blend of enjoyable, accessible science and dreamlike wonder’ The Times ‘Brian Cox breathes life into science again … breath-taking’ Guardian ‘Fascinating … Good science’ Observer ‘Extraordinary – at its best magically fascinating and full of vast, weird drama’ Radio Times

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Book SynopsisBrian Greene''s The Hidden Reality: Parallel Universes and the Deep Laws of the Cosmos explores our most current scientific understanding of the universe, the ''string theory'' that might hold the key to unifying nature''s laws, and our continuing quest to know more. There was a time when ''universe'' meant all there is. Everything. Yet, as physicist Brian Greene''s extraordinary book shows, ours may be just one universe among many, like endless reflections in a mirror. He takes us on a captivating exploration of parallel worlds - from a multiverse where an infinite number of your doppelgangers are reading this sentence, to vast oceans of bubble universes and even multiverses made of mathematics - showing just how much of reality''s true nature may be hidden within them. ''If extraterrestrials land tomorrow and demand to know what the human mind is capable of accomplishing ... hand them a copy of this book''  The New York Times Book Review ''A writer of exceptional clarity and charm ... every chapter opens level after level of previously unimaginable, mind-expanding realities''  Oliver Sacks ''The book serves well as an introduction to the multiverse and will open up many people''s eyes''  John Gribbin Brian Greene is well known to many fans as a populariser of theoretical physics. He is the author of the bestselling books about string theory, The Elegant Universe, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction, The Fabric of the Cosmos, and The Hidden Reality. Educated at Harvard and Oxford, he has taught at both Harvard and Cornell and has been Professor of Physics and Mathematics at Columbia University since 1996.Trade ReviewBrian Greene's book The Hidden Reality is a tour de force of one of the most controversial areas of modern science - the possibility that there are multiple universes... Greene's ability as a populariser has matured with each new publication and this latest offering is his best yet -- Alastair Gunn * Sky at Night *Exciting and rewarding ... captures and engages the imagination ... Greene has a gift for elucidating big ideas * New York Times *If extraterrestrials landed tomorrow and demanded to know what the human mind is capable of accomplishing, we could do worse than to hand them a copy of this book * New York Times Book Review *The book serves well as an introduction to the multiverse and will open up many people's eyes -- John GribbinEvery chapter opens level after level of previously unimaginable, mind-expanding realities -- Oliver Sacks

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Book SynopsisGeneral relativity is one of the most profound statements in science. It is a theory of gravity that allows us to model the large-scale structure of the Universe, to understand and explain the motions and workings of stars, to reveal how gravity interacts with light waves and even how it hosts its own gravitational waves. It is central to our notions of where the Universe comes from and what its eventual fate might be. For those wishing to learn physics, general relativity enjoys a dubious distinction. It is frequently viewed as a difficult theory, whose mastery is a rite of passage into the world of advanced physics and is described in an array of unforgiving, weighty textbooks aimed firmly at aspiring professionals. Written by experimental physicists and aimed at providing the interested amateur with a bridge from undergraduate physics to general relativity, this book is designed to be different. The imagined reader is a gifted amateur possessing a curious and adaptable mind looking to be told an entertaining and intellectually stimulating story, but who will not feel patronised if a few mathematical niceties are spelled out in detail. Using numerous worked examples, diagrams and careful physically motivated explanations, this book will smooth the path towards understanding the radically different and revolutionary view of the physical world that general relativity provides and which all physicists should have the opportunity to experience.

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Book SynopsisThis is a uniquely comprehensive and detailed treatment of the theoretical and observational foundations of modern cosmology, by a Nobel Laureate in Physics. It gives up-to-date and self contained accounts of the theories and observations that have made the past few decades a golden age of cosmology.Trade ReviewA stimulating source of intellectual excitement. [...] While the relevant technical aspects of the presentation can only be fully appreciated after a careful reading, a clear message emerges with vigour after the first reading: atomic physics, nuclear physics, field theory, high-energy physics and general relativity all come together in the description of our universe. In other words, Cosmology provides a vivid example of the basic unity of physics, which is something to bear in mind during the decades to come. * CERN Courier *A technical tour de force for the intrepid graduate student, Weinberg's new book will greatly appeal to particle physicists tooling up in cosmology and be an indispensable source for the practitioner. * Physics Today *With his unsurpassed ability to explain even the most difficult mathematical and conceptual steps with a few strokes of his pen, Weinberg takes the reader from the basics of cosmological kinematics and dynamics (space-time geometry, cosmological expansion, the Friedmann equation, thermal history) to advanced topics, such as the growth of structures, inflation and gravitational lenses. * Mathematical Reviews *A tour de force that even established cosmologists will learn from. Any scientist interested in cosmology should read it.Steven Weinberg's "Cosmology" is a thorough, graduate-level introduction to the field, which incorporates the frenzied developments since his 1972 classic, "Gravitation and Cosmology". This is sure to be another hit. * New Scientist *Table of Contents1. The Expansion of the Universe ; 2. The Cosmic Microwave Radiation Background ; 3. The Early Universe ; 4. Inflation ; 5. General Theory of Cosmological Fluctuations ; 6. Evolution of Cosmological Fluctuations ; 7. Anisotropies in the Microwave Sky ; 8. The Growth of Structure ; 9. Gravitational Lensing ; 10. Fluctuations from Inflation ; Appendices ; A. Some Useful Numbers ; B. Review of General Relativity ; C. Energy Transfer Between Radiation and Electrons ; D. The Ergodic Theorem ; E. Gaussian Distributions ; F. Newtonian Cosmology ; G. Photon Polarization ; H. The Relativistic Boltzmann Equation ; Notation ; Glossary of Symbols ; Assorted Problems

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Book SynopsisThe marvellous complexity of the Universe emerges from several deep laws and a handful of fundamental constants that fix its shape, scale, and destiny. Peter Atkins identifies the minimum decisions that would be needed for the Universe to behave as it does, arguing that the laws of Nature can spring from very little. Or perhaps from nothing at all.Trade ReviewIt's rare to find a study of physical laws that is also a bravura display of rarefied humour and experiential depth; but such is this gem by chemist Peter Atkins. * Barbara Kiser, Nature *This short volume is essential reading for anyone who balks at the mention of Schrödinger, equations and cats included ... Atkins sweeps aside the mathematical mystique with his characteristic wit. * Zoe Hackett, Chemistry World *Atkins writes in a clear and humorous manner for the lay reader. Don't skip the notes at the end of the book. Some real gems are hidden there ... Recommended for undergraduates and general readers. * Choice *Atkins writes in a charming, even chummy way. He understands our confusion and leads us onwards with the promise of great insights: how the very laws of physics came to be ... Conjuring the Universe is a clear example of [Atkins's] extraordinary erudition and flair. * Robyn Williams, Australian Book Review *I enjoyed reading the book, not only for the main themes but also for several asides on history, etymology, and so on. * Phillip Helbig, Observatory Magazine *Touur de force ... this is a compact 168 pages that delivers splendidly on the question of where the natural laws came from. * Brian Clegg, Popular Science *With Conjuring the Universe, Atkins has gone where Douglas Adams and Deep Thought could not in a magical, logical, mystery tour of science's mathematical, philosophical bedrock. * Peter Wyndham, The Science Fact & Science Fiction Concatenation *Table of Contents1: Back to eternity 2: Much ado about nothing 3: Anarchy rules 4: The heat of the moment 5: Beyond anarchy 6: The creative power of ignorance 7: The charge of the light brigade 8: Measure for measure 9: The cry from the depths Notes Index

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Book SynopsisA unique spiritual and astrological guide to deepening your relationships and romantic connections - or finding the love of your lifeWe are each made of stardust, and understanding how the cosmos affects us provides critical insight into our lives, our well-being, and matters of the heart. Tune into these pages to find how each sign matches up with the others; the potential and challenges of each pairing; interactive journaling prompts; perspective into your past unions; a deeper understanding of your partnerships in romance, family, and friendship; what it looks like when a particular match flows well - or not so well.Follow Carolyne Faulkner''s Dynamic Astrology approach for a simple, tried-and-tested framework to the signs and planets that explains how harmonious each match is likely to be, as well as how to build a solid foundation for a forever love.Trade ReviewA new constellation of astrology guru * Vogue *Carolyne is the woman making astrology cool again * Sunday Telegraph Stella Magazine *The coach to get you to where you want to go * Harper's Bazaar *

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Book SynopsisA unique graduate cosmology textbook that integrates theory with modern, data-driven, computational techniques. This approach, combined with student-friendly pedagogy, helps the reader build intuitive connections between data and theory. Worked examples, computational problems, data sets, and computer code enhance the learning experience.Trade Review'An incredibly practical approach to introducing pivotal concepts in cosmology, with a preciously rare focus on preparing its readers to engage with the science of cosmology in a real-life manner.' Vera Gluscevic, University of Southern California'This superb first introduction to cosmology for advanced undergraduate or graduate students is sure to inspire and teach young inquisitive minds for years to come. Huterer weaves the history of the field with elegant and lucid explanations of the most salient topics in modern cosmology.' Balša Terzić, Old Dominion University'This is a welcome addition to the growing number of textbooks on cosmology. The subject is concisely but exceptionally clearly presented, suitable for a one-semester course. The book stands out by covering the full range of material needed for a beginning graduate student contemplating entering research in cosmology: from the foundations all the way to active research topics, such as neutrinos, dark energy, modern large-scale structure and cosmic microwave background experiments, as well as analysis techniques. I am looking forward to adopting this book for my own cosmology course.' Zoltan Haiman, Columbia University'A clearly written introduction to astrophysical cosmology emphasizing data/theory connections. This text is unique in introducing the relevant techniques for those new to the field.' Curtis Struck, Iowa State University'A complete guide to form the next generation of well-rounded cosmologists. This book is a unique combination of theoretical, observational, and statistical aspects, with pedagogical and extensive descriptions of modern statistical methods in cosmology.' Alessandra Silvestri, Leiden UniversityTable of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgments; Part I. Foundations: 1. Introduction to cosmology; 2. The Hubble law and geometry of space; 3. Contents of the universe; Part II. The Early Universe: 4. Early-universe thermodynamics; 5. Neutrinos in cosmology; 6. The Boltzmann equation and baryogenesis; 7. Big Bang nucleosynthesis; 8. Inflation; Part III. The Later Universe: 9. Large-scale structure in the universe; 10. Statistical methods in cosmology and astrophysics; 11. Dark matter; 12. Dark energy; 13. Cosmic microwave background; 14. Gravitation lensing; Appendices; References; Index.

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Book SynopsisA hilarious guide to what's real (and what's not) in our vast, beautiful (and terrifying) universe. Embark on a cosmic journey through Cosmic Bullsh*t: A Guide to the Galaxy's Worst Life Hacks and uncover the real science behind some of the greatest lies society loves to tell us! Apologies to everyone who makes major life decisions based on their newspaper horoscope, but astrology isn't real and stars and planets don't give a sh*t about us. Planning a vacation to Roswell to finally discover the truth about aliens that the government has been hiding? Bad newsaliens were never here, and they aren't coming, either. Put on your myth-busting goggles and dig into Cosmic Bullsh*t for a nice, healthy dose of fascinating facts to cure the misinformation sickness so many of us are suffering from. Quantum physicist and bestselling science author Chris Ferrie explains:Why creation myths are bullsh*t and why humans have loved them for millennia anywayThe misconceptions surrounding extraterrestria

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Book Synopsis''Great characters, fine writing, totally engrossing'' STEPHEN KING It might have been the end of days. Instead it was the beginning of something shockingly new.They called the comet Cain, after the astronomer who discovered it. It passed 500,000 miles from Earth. We were spared planetary destruction and granted a light show like no other.But, one year later, Earth span into the debris field left by the comet and a meteor storm struck. Roads, buildings and even a small town were annihilated.The meteors impacted heavily around the dying mining town of Northfall, Minnesota. It was the night of a mysterious double murder, the deed overshadowed by the discovery that the burning remains of the rock contained an unknown substance more precious than gold: the Ninth Metal. And with that discovery, everything changed.Benjamin Percy is an award-winning novelist, celebrated comic books writer and author of the WolTrade ReviewPraise for THE NINTH METAL * : *When Benjamin Percy publishes a novel, I have got to read that novel. THE NINTH METAL continues his streak of thrilling, incisive genre bending goodness. It's a sci-fi novel, a crime novel and a super-hero novel, too. Audacious and intelligent and exactly what I was dying to read * Victor LaValle, author of The Changeling *Ben Percy will serve you the impossible-and by the end of every chapter, you will believe it and feel it as truth. Whether you choose to think of him as the Elmore Leonard of rural Minnesota or the Stephen King of Science Fiction, Percy-with his extraordinary and unrelenting eye-dishes up humanity like some kind of otherworldly blue plate special, at once deeply familiar and wildly new * Margaret Stohl, No. 1 New York Times Bestselling Author *Take one part dystopia, one part sci-fi, two parts apocalypse, then ride them roughshod through a bleak and bloody western, and it still wouldn't get close to what Ben Percy does here, which is blow open the core of humanity's dark heart * Marlon James, Booker Prize winning author of Black Leopard, Red Wolf *The plot is dynamic, featuring multiple viewpoints as well as corporate malfeasance, spooky cults, and family drama. This sounds complicated, and it is, but all of these moving parts work together due to strong characterization, especially the cheery rookie police officer Stacie Toal. The action is vivid without being too graphic, contributing to an overall cinematic feel. While the novel comes to a satisfying conclusion, this is the first book in an anticipated trilogy * Booklist *Debris from a comet drops a fabulously valuable new metal . . . turning it into a bloody, brawling boomtown. Great characters, fine writing, totally engrossing * Stephen King *Wildly entertaining * Publishers Weekly *A propulsive thriller that drops plenty of hints about a bigger picture to be discovered. Fast-paced and gripping, this will make you eager for the next in the Comet Cycle * Sci-Fi Bulletin *Percy's novel is a clever amalgamation of speculative fiction and family drama, of supercharged characters and regular folk, encompassing various viewpoints in a highly cinematic narrative. * Star Tribune *There's mystery and intrigue and a heavy dose of the Midwest in this book, which bills itself as a modern gold rush * Science Friday *The engine of the novel, first of a trilogy, has a lot of moving parts but Percy keeps them all meshing nicely together with sinewy prose and strong characterisation * Financial Times *It's a fast-paced book, full of gritty drama, surprising revelations that don't stray too far into incredulity, complex character dynamics and multiple layers of plot. It was great fun to read and had a real meteoric impact * ParSec *Reads like Stephen King, mixed with Lee Child with a dash of Marvel's Jessica Jones. I couldn't put it down * Concatenation *There's mystery and intrigue and a heavy dose of the Midwest in this book, which bills itself as a modern gold rush * Science Friday *

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Book SynopsisThere's a whole universe out there...Imagine you had a spacecraft capable of travelling through interstellar space. You climb in, blast into orbit, fly out of the solar system and keep going. Where do you end up, and what do you see along the way?The answer is: mostly nothing. Space is astonishingly, mind-blowingly empty. As you travel through the void between galaxies your spaceship encounters nothing more exciting than the odd hydrogen molecule. But when it does come across something more exotic: wow!First and most obviously, stars and planets. Some are familiar from our own backyard: yellow suns, rocky planets like Mars, gas and ice giants like Jupiter and Neptune. But there are many more: giant stars, red and white dwarfs, super-earths and hot Jupiters. Elsewhere are swirling clouds of dust giving birth to stars, and infinitely dense regions of space-time called black holes. These clump together in the star clusters we call galaxies, and the clusters of galaxies we call... galaxy clusters.And that is just the start. As we travel further we encounter ever more weird, wonderful and dangerous entities: supernovas, supermassive black holes, quasars, pulsars, neutron stars, black dwarfs, quark stars, gamma ray bursts and cosmic strings.A Journey Through The Universe is a grand tour of the most amazing celestial objects and how they fit together to build the cosmos. As for the end of the journey - nobody knows. But getting there will be fun.ABOUT THE SERIESNew Scientist Instant Expert books are definitive and accessible entry points to the most important subjects in science; subjects that challenge, attract debate, invite controversy and engage the most enquiring minds. Designed for curious readers who want to know how things work and why, the Instant Expert series explores the topics that really matter and their impact on individuals, society, and the planet, translating the scientific complexities around us into language that's open to everyone, and putting new ideas and discoveries into perspective and context.

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Book Synopsis'Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet'How did it all begin?Is there a God?Throughout his extraordinary career, Stephen Hawking expanded our understanding of the universe and unravelled some of its greatest mysteries. In How Did It All Begin? the world famous cosmologist and bestselling author of A Brief History of Time explores the fundamental questions of our existence.'A brilliant mind' Daily TelegraphBrief Answers, Big Questions: this stunning paperback series offers electrifying essays from one of the greatest minds of our age, taken from the original text of the No. 1 bestselling Brief Answers to the Big Questions.

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Book SynopsisIn a series of 50 accessible essays, Jo Baker introduces and explains all of the essential concepts, major discoveries and the very latest thinking in astrophysics.From heliocentrism to Newton's theory of optics, the theory of relativity to supermassive black holes, 50 Ideas You Really Need to Know: Universe is a complete introduction to the most important concepts about our universe.

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Book SynopsisSince time immemorial, the nocturnal skies have mesmerized people, and heavenly bodies have inspired the imaginations of artists, poets, and scientists. This book showcases the superstars of the firmament and universe in sumptuous illustrations featuring paintings, sculpture, drawings, watercolours, prints, as well as plates from books, celestial diagrams, and astronomical photography. Cosmos: The Art and Science of the Universe charts the human love affair with the heavens in art and astronomy, based on sound science and insightful art and cultural history. While its illustrations are thrilling and seductive, the book also recounts the fascinating story about the quest to discover the mysteries of the universe in ten lively chapters. Embellished with new information, interpretations, and amusing anecdotes, the authors weave a rich tapestry about the interconnections in the cosmos and the efforts to understand them. A stunning book that unveils the beauty of the cosmos and its compelling story.

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Book SynopsisSimulating the Cosmos is a behind-the-scenes look into one of the hottest and fastest-moving areas of astrophysics today: simulations of cosmology and galaxy formation, which illustrate how everything we see in the universe arose out of the primordial soup of the Big Bang. Leading cosmologist Romeel Davé guides you through the trials and tribulations of what it takes to put the universe into a computer, the amazing new insights revealed by cosmological simulations, and the many mysteries yet to be solved. This rollicking and extraordinary journey is a rare glimpse into science in action, showing how cosmologists are using the laws of physics and supercomputers to uncover the secrets of why the universe looks the way it does."

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Book SynopsisPreviously published as A History of the Universe in 21 Stars.'A delight and triumph ... A thing of beauty ... Truly, truly magical' talkRADIOLook up on a clear evening, and you'll see thousands of stars shining in the night sky, each telling a story of their own. With star maps to help easily identify key celestial bodies, astronomer Giles Sparrow takes 21 stars (and three imposters) to look at what each pinprick of light can tell us about the birth, life and death of our universe.From red giants to supernovae and from stellar cities to our own Sun, The History of Our Universe in 21 Stars shows how the lights we see in the sky can help us unravel the mysteries of the cosmos.Trade Review'A delight and a triumph ... A thing of beauty ... Truly, truly magical' -- Mark Dolan * talkRADIO *Table of ContentsPolaris • Mizar • 61 Cygni • Aldebaran • Alcyone/The Pleiades • The Trapezium • T Tauri • The Sun • Proxima Centauri • Tau Ceti • Algol • Mira • Sirius A and B • RS Ophiuchi • Betelgeuse • Eta Carinae • The Crab Pulsar • Cygnus X-1 • Omega Centauri • Delta Cephei • Andromeda Nebula • S2 • 3C 48 • Supernova 1944D.

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Book Synopsis'Strap in and enjoy the ride!' JOHN GRIBBIN'A window seat on a flight to our galaxy's sites of outstanding beauty' MARCUS CHOWN, AUTHOR OF THE ONE THING YOU NEED TO KNOW'His best yet!' HENRY GEE, WINNER OF THE 2022 ROYAL SOCIETY TRIVEDI SCIENCE BOOK PRIZE 'Buckle up for the ride of a lifetime' PHILIP BALL, AUTHOR OF THE BOOK OF MINDS AND BEYOND WEIRDTake a voyage into space to explore the wonders of the galaxy and beyond.With award-winning science writer Brian Clegg as your deep space guide, step on board the starship Endurance and marvel at the fascinating sights of deepest, darkest space.Although our vessel is fictional, the phenomena you will visit, from the vast nebulae that are birthplaces of stars to stellar explosions in vast supernovas, creating the elements necessary for life - or from the planets of other solar systems to the unbelievably supermassive black hole at the heart of the Milky Way - all reflect the best picture current science has to offer.Accompanying Interstellar Tours is an online gallery with over fifty images and videos in full colour, each directly accessible from the page using QR codes.It may never be possible to undertake a voyage through the stars for real. But with Interstellar Tours, you can enjoy the ultimate cruise across the Milky Way.Trade ReviewBargain! For less than the price of a budget airline ticket, you can have a window seat on a flight to our galaxy's sites of outstanding beauty in this delightfully informative guide by Brian Clegg -- Marcus Chown, author of The One Thing You Need to Know"The old elephant has performed his trick again," as Albert Einstein reputedly said after posing for his umpteenth photograph. Brian Clegg is neither Einstein nor an elephant, but he is one of the best explainers of science around, and he has performed his trick again, this time covering most of the mysteries of the cosmos in an entertaining series of essays dressed up as part of the voyages of the starship Endurance. We are figuratively taken on a tour of the universe, getting up close and personal to black holes, supernovae and other cosmological beasts while our guide explains their nature in clear and accessible language. Strap in and enjoy the ride! -- John GribbinBuckle up for the ride of a lifetime. With his characteristic clarity, care and charm, Brian Clegg is your guide on a tour of the galaxy, stopping at all the favourite tourist stops: planets around our Sun and other stars, nebulae where stars are born and supernovae and black holes where they die. Thanks to 22nd-century technology, you'll witness the science of the cosmos in a way that people could only dream about a hundred years ago. After this experience, the night sky will never seem the same again! -- Philip Ball, author of The Book of Minds and Beyond WeirdWelcome aboard the starship Endurance for a luxury cruise like no other. Join Captain Brian Clegg on a guided tour around the amazing sights of our galaxy, from black holes to supernovas, amazing new planets and a refreshing new look at our own corner of space. His best yet! -- Henry Gee, winner of the 2022 Royal Society Trivedi Science Book PrizeSo full of fun facts and cool physics that this book should be compulsory reading for any sci-fi writer or movie director who wants to get their science right - but you'll love it even if you're neither. -- Professor Jim Al-Khalili, presenter of BBC's The Life ScientificInteresting and well written. * BBC Sky at Night Magazine *

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Book SynopsisWhat happens when a star dies? How many asteroids are in our solar system? Can galaxies collide? What is dark energy? Astronomy in Minutes answers all these questions and more as it condenses 200 key concepts into easily digestible essays. From Trojan asteroids to stellar black holes, and from superclusters to cosmic microwave background, this book will take you on an essential tour around the universe. Beginning with the specks and constellations that we see in the night sky, and then zooming in on the objects and 'matter' beyond the naked eye, Astronomy in Minutes draws on established theories and recent research. Each essay is accompanied by an image or a clear diagram to help unravel complex ideas. Beginning with the constellations and finishing with the latest cosmological theories, this is the perfect reference guide to this fascinating subject. Contents include: The celestial sphere, Piscis Austrinus, the Earth-Moon system, Io and Ganymede, Kuiper Belt Objects, Measuring stellar properties, Nuclear fusion, Red and orange dwarfs, Open star clusters, Planetary nebulae, Supernova remnants, Cosmic expansion, Quasars and blazars, Nature of spacetime, Nucleosynthesis and the Anthropic Principle.

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Book SynopsisWhether stargazing with the naked eye or observing deep space with the largest telescopes in the world, humans have a seemingly neverending fascination with the stars. Our ancestors saw patterns in their random arrangement, inventing both tales of legendary heroes and the pastime of dot-to-dot in one fell swoop. But it's only in the last century or so that the natures of these distant lights have been revealed - and it's more incredible than any legend. How are stars born? How long do they live? And just how many times can you read the word 'trillion' before it starts sounding made up? Find out as astronomer Dr Greg Brown of Royal Observatory Greenwich takes a short diversion from obsessing over black holes to illuminate us about the lives of stars - ending in black holes, naturally.Table of ContentsIntroduction Our Sun: A Model Star? So a Failed Analogue? The Nuclear Furnace The Births of Stars The (Mostly Boring) Lives of Stars The (Mostly Exciting) Deaths of Stars Why Nothing in Science is Ever That Easy Glossary

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