Cosmology and the universe Books

Book SynopsisHailed by The New York Times for writing ?with wonderful clarity about science . . . that effortlessly teaches as it zips along,? nationally bestselling author Robert M. Hazen offers a radical new approach to Earth history in this intertwined tale of the planet?s living and nonliving spheres. With an astrobiologist?s imagination, a historian?s perspective, and a naturalist?s eye, Hazen calls upon twenty-first-century discoveries that have revolutionized geology and enabled scientists to envision Earth?s many iterations in vivid detail?from the mile-high lava tides of its infancy to the early organisms responsible for more than two-thirds of the mineral varieties beneath our feet. Lucid, controversial, and on the cutting edge of its field, The Story of Earth is popular science of the highest order.A sweeping rip-roaring yarn of immense scope, from the birth of theelements in the stars to meditations on the future habitability of our world. -ScienceA fascinating story. -Bill McKibben

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Book Synopsis From the bestselling author of Physics of the Impossible, Michio Kaku''s Parallel Worlds takes us to the frontiers of scientific knowledge to explain the extraordinary nature - and future - of our universe. Imagine a future where we are not alone - where our universe is just one of countless parallel worlds, some strangely familiar, some almost unimaginable. And that, when planet earth finally runs down to a cold, dark wasteland, we will be able to escape into these new worlds and start again. Michio Kaku''s thrilling guide to the galaxy shows us how it could happen sooner than we think - and the future for intelligent life is one of endless possibilities. ''This book is absolutely impossible to put down ... if and when we do find out what the universe is, and how it was created, it''s going to be absolutely mind-blowing''   Independent on Sunday ''One of the gurus of modern physics''   

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Book SynopsisIntroduction to General Relativity and Cosmology gives undergraduate students an overview of the fundamental ideas behind the geometric theory of gravitation and spacetime. Through pointers on how to modify and generalise Einstein's theory to enhance understanding, it provides a link between standard textbook content and current research in the field.Chapters present complicated material practically and concisely, initially dealing with the mathematical foundations of the theory of relativity, in particular differential geometry. This is followed by a discussion of the Einstein field equations and their various properties. Also given is analysis of the important Schwarzschild solutions, followed by application of general relativity to cosmology. Questions with fully worked answers are provided at the end of each chapter to aid comprehension and guide learning. This pared down textbook is specifically designed for new students looking for a workable, simple presentation of some of the key theories in modern physics and mathematics.

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Book SynopsisA Mysterious Universe introduces the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics, theory of relativity, and cosmology to a novice in simple language. This concise book deals with deep issues related to the mysteries of modern physics. Both quantum mechanics and relativity are highly mathematical subjects and are not easily accessible. In 2020, the author wrote a book Quantum Mechanics for Beginners with the aim of introducing the fundamentals of quantum theory to someone with elementary knowledge of physics and algebra. Here he goes one step further and introduces these ideas to someone with no prior knowledge of physics and mathematics. In the first part of the book, topics like the wave-particle duality, the probabilistic nature of the measurement, the possibility of multiple universes, and the nature of reality are discussed. In the second part, Einstein''s special and general theories of relativity and their amazing and mind-boggling consequences are presented. The impact of the theory oTrade ReviewExplains deep and profound concepts in a very simple language. A marvelous book! * David M. Lee, Nobel Prize for Physics 1996 *In this amazing book, Zubairy manages to cover a very broad range of material on the laws that define our universe. He explains the conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics, the laws of the special and general theories of relativity, and the developments in the field of cosmology for both experts and novice in a clear and transparent manner. * Dudley Herschbach, Nobel Prize for Chemistry 1986 *A hundred years ago two overarching physical theories-Quantum Mechanics and Relativity-upended our understanding of the world, such that the implications and even meaning of these theories are still controversial. This book presents many of these implications for a lay but interested reader, in a clear and lucid manner. * Bill Unruh FRS, Professor at the University of British Columbia *Quantum mechanics and Einstein's theories of relativity are among the most important achievements of human intellect ever. We discovered what happens inside an atom and a nucleus and it increased our understanding of the evolution of the universe. These ideas are not easily accessible to someone without a background in physics and mathematics. A Mysterious Universe brilliantly brings these laws of nature and their consequences together, explaining deep and profound concepts in very simple language. Covering vast materials, it not only includes the extraordinary laws of quantum mechanics and laws of relativity, but also the astonishing developments in the field of cosmology in such a concise and accessible way. The laws that govern this universe are explained with many simple and understandable examples. It's a marvellous book! * David M. Lee, Nobel Prize for Physics 1996 *

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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 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 Synopsis Biocentrism shocked the world with a radical rethinking of the nature of reality. But that was just the beginning. In Beyond Biocentrism, acclaimed biologist Robert Lanza, one of TIME Magazine's "100 Most Influential People in 2014," and leading astronomer Bob Berman, take the reader on an intellectual thrill-ride as they re-examine everything we thought we knew about life, death, the universe, and the nature of reality itself.The first step is acknowledging that our existing model of reality is looking increasingly creaky in the face of recent scientific discoveries. Science tells us with some precision that the universe is 26.8 percent dark matter, 68.3 percent dark energy, and only 4.9 percent ordinary matter, but must confess that it doesn't really know what dark matter is and knows even less about dark energy. Science is increasingly pointing toward an infinite universe but has no ability to explain what that really means. Concepts such as time, space, and even causality are increasingly being demonstrated as meaningless.All of science is based on information passing through our consciousness but science hasn't the foggiest idea what consciousness is, and it can't explain the linkage between subatomic states and observation by conscious observers. Science describes life as a random occurrence in a dead universe but has no real understanding of how life began or why the universe appears to be exquisitely designed for the emergence of life.The biocentrism theory isn't a rejection of science. Quite the opposite. Biocentrism challenges us to fully accept the implications of the latest scientific findings in fields ranging from plant biology and cosmology to quantum entanglement and consciousness.By listening to what the science is telling us, it becomes increasingly clear that life and consciousness are fundamental to any true understanding of the universe. This forces a fundamental rethinking of everything we thought we knew about life, death, and our place in the universe.Trade Review"Lanza and Berman employ cutting edge science to rediscover ancient truths about life and death and reconceptualize our very notions of reality and consciousness. Beyond Biocentrism is an enlightening and fascinating journey that will forever alter your understanding of your own existence."—Deepak Chopra"This intriguing and provocative book will challenge some of what you know and push you into rethinking your view of science—all the while entertaining you with a fast-paced, exhilarating narrative journey."—David J. Eicher, editor in chief, Astronomy Magazine"Beyond Biocentrism is a joyride through the history of science and cutting-edge physics, all with a very serious purpose: to find the long-overlooked connection between the conscious self and the universe around us."—Corey S. Powell, former editor-in-chief, Discover magazine"[Beyond Biocentrism] offers a neurobiological point of view to help answer questions about the world around us. Lanza and Berman make the journey towards a better understanding of the role of consciousness and perception. . . . A fun read."—Kwang-Soo Kim, professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, and director, Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, McLean Hospital "Lanza and Berman's latest statement of their theory of ‘biocentrism' changes the way we think about age-old religious questions such as the origin of the universe and human immortality. Based on cutting edge work in physics and biology and explained with exceptional clarity, Beyond Biocentrism is a must-read for anyone interested in science and religion."—Ronald M. Green, professor emeritus for the study of ethics and human values, and former chairman of the Department of Religion at Dartmouth College "Will machines ever achieve consciousness? Are plants aware? Is death an illusion? These are some of the big questions tackled in Beyond Biocentrism, which serves up a new, biology-based theory of everything that is as delightful to read as it is fascinating. Tremendously clear and lovely writing—a huge achievement."—Pamela Weintraub, psychology & health editor for Aeon Magazine, former Executive Editor of Discover Magazine and former editor in chief of OMNI MagazinePraise for Biocentrism:"An extraordinary mind. . . . Having interviewed some of the most brilliant minds in the scientific world, I found Dr. Robert Lanza's insights into the nature of consciousness original and exciting. His theory of biocentrism is consistent with the most ancient traditions of the world which say that consciousness conceives, governs, and becomes a physical world. It is the ground of our Being in which both subjective and objective reality come into existence."—Deepak Chopra"This is a brave new book. Instead of placing life as an accidental byproduct, the authors place life at the apex of universal existence and purpose. It is a very thrilling and disturbing read. While the proposals made in Biocentrism seem radical and counter-intuitive at first, a bit of reflection will soon make the images clearer and place us on the pathway to a better and more commonsensical mindset."—Michael Gooch, author of Wingtips with Spurs"Both interesting and worth the effort of reading it . . . From the way [Lanza] chooses to present his arguments, it's clear he has a solid grasp of esoteric disciplines . . . His style is conversational . . . And his sense of wonder . . . is as infectious as it is delightful."—Midwest Book Review

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Book SynopsisEn El universo de Einstein, Michio Kaku, un físico teórico innovador y autor del “best seller” Hiperespacio, entrelaza la vida y la obra de Einstein con el fin de poder ver el universo tal y como lo veía Einstein, brindando una mirada privilegiada a su manera de pensar.Aunque sus teorías tuvieron enormes repercusiones, Einstein pensaba realmente en términos de simples imágenes físicas ?trenes a gran velocidad, ascensores cayendo, cohetes, relojes en movimiento?. En realidad, fue a partir de dos de esas ideas simples como surgió el papel crucial de la relatividad en el movimiento del universo. La primera idea ocupó el pensamiento de Einstein desde que tenía dieciséis años, cuando intentaba imaginar cómo se vería un rayo de luz si corriera a su lado. La paradoja de una onda de luz en reposo le habría conducido finalmente a la relatividad y a E = mc2, la famosa ecuación que ha desentrañado los secretos de las estrellas.Einstein dio con su segunda idea mientras estaba reclinado en su silla en la oficina de patentes de Berna: ¿Qué pasaría –se preguntó- si él y su silla se cayeran? Esta imagen casi cómica le llevó a la idea de que la estructura del espacio y el tiempo es curva, desbancando a la misteriosa “fuerza” gravitacional de Newton. Esta idea, a su vez, nos ha permitido llegar a los agujeros negros y el Big Bang.La lucha infructuosa de Einstein por unificar todas las leyes de la naturaleza procede de su fracaso en dar con una tercera idea. Pero Kaku nos muestra de forma persuasiva cuántas ideas de Einstein de los últimos años de su carrera, anteriormente rechazadas por irrelevantes para la física, han llegado a fructificar en nuevos campos de investigación científica, nuevas tecnologías y varios premios Nobel. Sin olvidar que el espíritu de su búsqueda sigue vivo en la teoría de las cuerdas, protagonista de la física teórica más actual.Einstein sigue siendo uno de los más grandes y más estimados científicos de todos los tiempos, pero su trabajo y su legado han sido frecuentemente malinterpretados. Gracias a la perspicacia de Kaku y su habilidad para explicar en lenguaje llano los conceptos científicos más densos, El universo de Einstein proporciona una forma nueva y estimulante de apreciar la vida y las ideas de Einstein.

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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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Book SynopsisIn this short book, renowned theoretical physicist and author Carlo Rovelli gives a straightforward introduction to Einstein''s General Relativity, our current theory of gravitation. Focusing on conceptual clarity, he derives all the basic results in the simplest way, taking care to explain the physical, philosophical and mathematical ideas at the heart of ?the most beautiful of all scientific theories?. Some of the main applications of General Relativity are also explored, for example, black holes, gravitational waves and cosmology, and the book concludes with a brief introduction to quantum gravity. Written by an author well known for the clarity of his presentation of scientific ideas, this concise book will appeal to university students looking to improve their understanding of the principal concepts, as well as science-literate readers who are curious about the real theory of General Relativity, at a level beyond a popular science treatment.Trade Review'General relativity is the most beautiful physical theory we have, and plays an increasingly central role in modern physics. Carlo Rovelli's introduction is both concise and comprehensive, written by a master of exposition as well as of the material. I envy anyone encountering these ideas for the first time.' Sean M. Carroll, Caltech; author of Spacetime and Geometry'This book addresses general relativity at a more sophisticated level than in a popular-level account, emphasizing conceptual understanding and results over the mathematical details of a standard textbook. Most impressive is the author's ability to distil important concepts into pithy statements illustrating deep physical insight. Rovelli's concise book provides a solid grounding in the conceptual framework of general relativity as a starting point.' Mike Guidry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; author of Modern General Relativity'The book is interesting, well written, and fills an otherwise vacant niche. Recommended.' Phillip Helbig, The Observatory'Rovelli is a well-published author of popular and advanced physics books, primarily in loop quantum gravity. His latest effort is an introduction to Einstein's general relativity, written with precision in the concise style for which he is acclaimed … Recommended.' J. F. Burkhart, Choice ConnectTable of ContentsWhat is General Relativity? Part I. Bases: 1. Physics: a field theory for gravity; 2. Philosophy: what are space and time? 3. Mathematics: curved space; Part II. The Theory: 4. Basic equations; 5. Action; 6. Symmetries and interpretation; Part III. Applications: 7. Newtonian limit; 8. Gravitational waves; 9. Cosmology; 10. The field of a mass; 11. Black holes; 12. Elements of quantum gravity; Index.

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Book SynopsisWith lucid prose that recalls the best-selling and beloved Cosmos, Ann Druyan takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the vast and unexplored realms of Earth and space, past and future, fact and imagination. Written and published in coordination with the sensational international television debut of a second season of National Geographic's Cosmos,Cosmos Possible Worlds travels through more than 14 billion years of cosmic evolution and into an astonishing future where probes travel by light beams to distant stars, helping us solve enduring mysteries of our origins and dream of an unimaginable time ahead. Along the way, we meet the colorful characters who push beyond the boundaries of knowledge - both the little-known but monumental visionaries of the past and the scientists whose work is shaping our future. Color photographs, art, and diagrams based on graphics created for the television series - plus a foreword by Neil deGrasse Tyson, best-selling author, wTrade Review“In the breadth of its scope and the magnitude of its imagination…Possible Worlds is a triumphant return to scale, and a direct challenge to a humanity that seems to have lost its will to confront and overcome the problems that face it. It encompasses astronomy, neuroscience, quantum physics, the origins of life, the future of space flight, nuclear weaponry, alternate intelligence models, cosmology, archaeology, anthropology, and biochemistry in the breathtaking course of its 370 richly illustrated pages, all driven by Druyan’s approachable but grand prose that urges us to find in ourselves the intellectual courage to truly know who we are, where we came from, and what possible futures stretch out before us.” –Women You Should Know“Now, 40 years later, Ann Druyan boldly carries the torch forward with the long-awaited sequel to the book, COSMOS with Cosmos: Possible Worlds.” –Laughing Place“In the breadth of its scope and the magnitude of its imagination, it is teaching us again how to look beyond our tribal specializations towards a future powered by a bold syncretism. Possible Worlds is a triumphant return to scale, and a direct challenge to a humanity that seems to have lost its will to confront and overcome the problems that face it. It encompasses astronomy, neuroscience, quantum physics, the origins of life, the future of space flight, nuclear weaponry, alternate intelligence models, cosmology, archaeology, anthropology, and biochemistry in the breathtaking course of its 370 richly illustrated pages, all driven by Druyan’s approachable but grand prose that urges us to find in ourselves the intellectual courage to truly know who we are, where we came from, and what possible futures stretch out before us.” –Women You Should Know “Ann Druyan is reimagining the future.” –Scientific American

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Book SynopsisA foremost thinker on science and religion argues that an adequate understanding of cosmic history requires attention to the emergence of interiority, including religious aspirationTrade Review“I have no doubt that The New Cosmic Story will enrich many and produce fruitful dialogues for years to come.” —John P. Slattery, Science & Christian BeliefWinner of the Outstanding Academic Title for 2018 award sponsored by Choice"A compelling argument for a broader understanding of religion in relation to our cosmic story."—Mary Evelyn Tucker, coauthor of Journey of the Universe"Haught offers a coherent framework that gives value to the whole cosmic story revealed by science, while situating science and traditional religion together in a road map to a hopeful future in our still-unfinished cosmos."—Daryl P. Domning, professor of anatomy, Howard University“This book, John F. Haught’s summa, will become a permanent contribution to the religion and science literature.”—Holmes Rolston, III, Templeton Prize winner "A profound work that expands Haught's contributions to understanding religion in a universe that is still coming to be.”— Ilia Delio, Villanova University "A significant antidote to the 'cosmic pessimism' so prevalent in academic circles! Haught champions a hopeful narrative of our unfinished universe that informs and enlivens all facets of belief and refreshes the conversation between science and faith."—Robert E. Ulanowicz, University of Maryland

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPraise for The Little Book of String Theory: "Gubser ... does a masterly job of introducing string theory in simple terms and without using math."--Library Journal Praise for The Little Book of String Theory: "Steven Gubser provides a brief introduction to this complicated topic, and condenses an enormous amount of information into this 'little book.'"--ForeWord Praise for The Little Book of String Theory: "You will probably finish the book more confused than when you started, but in the best possible way: with profound questions and a desire to learn more."--New Scientist

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Book Synopsis'A delight and a triumph ... A thing of beauty ... Truly, truly magical' Mark Dolan, talkRADIOExpert science writer Giles Sparrow guides you through 21 stars you can see in the night sky and what they can teach us about our universe. On a clear evening, if you look up you can see thousands of stars shining in the dark sky, each with a story of their own. Taking 21 stars (and three imposters, that cheekily aren't technically stars), expert science writer Giles Sparrow offers a complete introduction to what is happening up in the night sky. Sparrow draws 'star maps' to help you easily identify the celestial bodies and then explains (for anyone not an astronomer themselves) what this particular pinprick of light can tell us about the birth, life and death of our universe. From red giants, quasars and supernovae to black holes, multiple stars and even our own Sun, this fascinating book tells the intriguing, inspiring and sometimes incredible story of how we came to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, and what we learnt along the way. So look up at the sky and marvel at its wonders with this exciting new book. Trade Review'A delight and a triumph ... A thing of beauty ... Truly, truly magical' Mark Dolan, talkRADIOTable 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 SynopsisAstrobiology, the study of life and its existence in the universe, is one of the hottest areas of scientific research. Lewis Dartnell considers some of the fascinating questions facing researchers today. Could life exist anywhere else in the universe? What might aliens really look like? Dartnell explains why Earth is uniquely suited for life and reveals our profound connection to the cosmos.Trade Review"Dartnell’s guide is much-needed overview of a discipline extending across life, the Universe and everything. Demanding read, but definitely rewarding" * BBC Sky at Night *"Explores the latest theories for how life came to evolve on Earth, and adds fascinating speculations on the prospects for finding it elsewhere." * The Times *"Dartnell explores the latest theories for how life came to evolve on Earth, and adds fascinating speculations on the prospects for finding it elsewhere." * The Times *"If one were to read a single book on astrobiology, this would be an excellent choice." * Choice *"Few books are more wide-ranging and thought-provoking than Life in the Universe, an excellent introduction to the emerging science of astrobiology." * Oxford Today *"If one were to read a single book on astrobiology, this would be an excellent choice… The book is a must for the newcomer to astrobiology and an excellent resource for anyone wishing to expand their understanding of the subject." * Choice *"Dartnell's style is direct, easy to follow and the subject matter comprehensive." * The Biologist *"Quite simply, this is a fantastic book… I recommend it for anyone with an interest in astrobiology in particular, biology in general, life, the universe and everything." * Microbiology Today *"A much-needed overview of a discipline extending across life, the universe, and everything." * BBC Sky at Night *

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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 SynopsisAnswers to the mysteries of the cosmos for inquiring minds.Explore the entire cosmos in 101 fascinating topics from mind-blowing numbers, astonishing sights, to strange-but-true discoveries and everything in between.Feed your cosmic curiosity with this comprehensive guide to the Universe, featuring 101 out-of-this-world astronomical facts, discoveries and innovations. From gravitational curls to strange new worlds; the night sky to the end of time you're sure to find something you never knew before in this mind-expanding book, and with stunning images from the latest and greatest observatories, every turn of the page offers a visual treat. It's the perfect gift for earthlings who love to learn.Trade Review“Kerss’ writing is engaging as always and his science rock-solid, accompanied by stunning images from telescopes around the world, including the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, which are always especially breathtaking when seen in print.” BBC Sky at Night “A compendium of the most exciting topics in space—from tantalizing exomoons to mysterious dark matter—Kerss’ authoritative and entertaining style helps make this a must-read for anyone with even a passing interest in space and astronomy.” Forbes Magazine

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Book SynopsisLinked to a special mini season of the award-winning StarTalk podcast, this enlightening illustrated narrative by the world’s most celebrated astrophysicist explains the universe from the solar system to the farthest reaches of space with authority and humor.No one can make the mysteries of the universe more comprehensible and fun than Neil deGrasse Tyson. Drawing on mythology, history, and literature—alongside his trademark wit and charm—Tyson and StarTalk senior producer Lindsey Nyx Walker bring planetary science down to Earth and principles of astrophysics within reach. In this entertaining book, illustrated with vivid photographs and art, readers travel with him through space and time, starting with the Big Bang and voyaging to the far reaches of the universe and beyond. Along the way, science greets pop culture as Tyson explains the triumphs—and bloopers—in Hollywood’s blockbusters: all part of an entertaining ride through the cosTrade Review"Buoyed by eye-popping photos of supernovas and distant galaxies, this is equal parts entertaining and informative."—Publisher's Weekly"This is a book that makes you want to go out and look up at the night sky. Buzz Lightyear would be proud."—Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisFree yourself from cosmological tyranny! Everything started in a Big Bang? Invisible dark matter? Black holes? Why accept such a weird cosmos? For all those who wonder about this bizarre universe, and those who want to overthrow the Big Bang, this handbook gives you ''just the facts'': the observations that have shaped these ideas and theories. While the Big Bang holds the attention of scientists, it isn''t perfect. The authors pull back the curtains, and show how cosmology really works. With this, you will know your enemy, cosmic revolutionary - arm yourself for the scientific arena where ideas must fight for survival! This uniquely-framed tour of modern cosmology gives a deeper understanding of the inner workings of this fascinating field. The portrait painted is realistic and raw, not idealized and airbrushed - it is science in all its messy detail, which doesn''t pretend to have all the answers.Trade Review'Overthrowing all of modern cosmology isn't easy, but it could happen. Maybe you will be the one to do it! If you're up for the challenge, Luke A. Barnes and Geraint F. Lewis tell you exactly what you have to accomplish. Even if you don't topple the stodgy edifice of modern science, you'll certainly learn some exciting things about the universe along the way.' Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of Spacetime'If you are looking for a fun rendezvous with the universe, this is the book for you! Barnes and Lewis help you understand the basics of cosmology with simplicity and clarity - quite a feat given the complexity of our universe.' Priyamvada Natarajan, author of Mapping the Heavens: The Radical Scientific Ideas that Reveal the Cosmos'… a great starting point for budding astronomers or cosmologists who want to be able to 'debunk' would-be revolutionaries - or answer the 'but how do we know …' they're likely to get asked.' Chris North, BBC Sky at Night Magazine'A must-read for anyone interested in better understanding why cosmologists believe all those very strange things about the Universe. Mind you, new Galileo, you will still need a degree in physics and professional research training if you want to overthrow the Big Bang model, but this book might very well be the first step towards your goal.' Sunny Vagnozzi, Nature Astronomy'The general educated public has heard about many key terms of modern science: 'evolution,' 'virus,' 'quantum theory,' and the 'big bang,' for example. But the framework and methodology of science are barely understood by most … Here, Barnes (Western Sydney Univ.) and Lewis (Sydney Institute for Astronomy) inform the general reader about many fascinating aspects of astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. The book is full of scientific facts and clarifying figures. More importantly, it clarifies the routes that lead to major scientific results … Readers will gain a more than nodding acquaintance with the basics of astrophysics, including magnetic monopoles, dark matter, the inflationary model, and related key concepts … books like this will inform and educate those who respect science and are willing to learn about good science and how it is done. This should be required reading for all college students, regardless of their major.' V. V. Raman, Choice'The book is well written and includes a bit more 'how' (do we know) in addition to the 'what' of the standard model of cosmology … I enjoyed reading this book; it's a breezy but careful introduction to where we are in our understanding of the Universe and how we got there.' Phillip Helbig, The ObservatoryTable of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; 1. Understanding science; 2. How dark is the night?; 3. Run for the hills!; 4. Going gently into that good night; 5. An ever-changing universe; 6. The wood for the trees; 7. We are (mostly) made of stars; 8. Ripples in the night sky; Notes; Further reading; Index.

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Book SynopsisAn intriguing new scientific theory that explains what life is and how it emerges.What is life? This is among the most difficult open problems in science, right up there with the nature of consciousness and the existence of matter. All the definitions we have fall short. None help us understand how life originates or the full range of possibilities for what life on other planets might look like.In Life as No One Knows It, physicist and astrobiologist Sara Imari Walker argues that solving the origin of life requires radical new thinking and an experimentally testable theory for what life is. This is an urgent issue for efforts to make life from scratch in laboratories here on Earth and missions searching for life on other planets.Walker proposes a new paradigm for understanding what physics encompasses and what we recognize as life. She invites us into a world of maverick scientists working without a map, seeking not just answers but better ways to formulate the biggest questions we have about the universe. The book culminates with the bold proposal of a new theory for identifying and classifying life, one that applies not just to biological life on Earth but to any instance of life in the universe. Rigorous, accessible, and vital, Life as No One Knows It celebrates the mystery of life and the explanatory power of physics.

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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 SynopsisINSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER?Most appealing... technical accuracy and lightness of tone... Impeccable.??Wall Street Journal?A porthole into another world.??Scientific American?Brings science dissemination to a new level.??ScienceThe most trusted explainer of the most mind-boggling concepts pulls back the veil of mystery that has too long cloaked the most valuable building blocks of modern science. Sean Carroll, with his genius for making complex notions entertaining, presents in his uniquely lucid voice the fundamental ideas informing the modern physics of reality. Physics offers deep insights into the workings of the universe but those insights come in the form of equations that often look like gobbledygook. Sean Carroll shows that they are really like meaningful poems that can help us fly over sierras to discover a miraculous multidimensional landscape alive with radiant giants, warped space-time, and bewilderingly powerful forces. High school calculus is itself a centuries-old marvel as worthy of our gaze as the Mona Lisa. And it may come as a surprise the extent to which all our most cutting-edge ideas about black holes are built on the math calculus enables. No one else could so smoothly guide readers toward grasping the very equation Einstein used to describe his theory of general relativity. In the tradition of the legendary Richard Feynman lectures presented sixty years ago, this book is an inspiring, dazzling introduction to a way of seeing that will resonate across cultural and generational boundaries for many years to come.

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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 SynopsisOne of the most controversial, cutting-edge ideas in cosmologythe possibility that there exist multiple parallel universesin fact has a long history. Tom Siegfried reminds us that the size and number of the heavens have been contested since ancient times. His story offers deep lessons about the nature of science and the quest for understanding.Trade ReviewThe best new book on the Multiverse out this year. -- Ethan Siegel * Forbes *The Number of the Heavens is a thrilling history of our quest to grasp the whole of reality and determine our place within it. Whether there is one universe or many, Siegfried's masterful prose allows us all to delight in our species' passionate urge to look up and wonder. -- Brian Greene, author of The Elegant UniverseWhile it is debatable how closer we might be to verifying the multiverse compared to Aristotle, a recounting of the history of this philosophical and scientific debate in the entertaining and often tongue-in-cheek tone of Siegfried is certainly fascinating. * Nature Astronomy *This ‘multiverse,’ a hot topic of debate in physics today, is only the latest example of how scientists have expanded our horizons…This intriguing book examines that changing understanding of the universe, and of science as well. -- Jeff Foust * Space Review *You might think this book is only about the multiverse, but it’s really about something bigger: how science has been done through the ages—and how our perspective changes along with our view of the cosmos. -- Alan Boyle * GeekWire *This clear and thoughtful work of popular science serves as a fascinating history of one of the most provocative concepts in modern physics, while also tracing its roots in ancient ideas and exploring its implications for this universe and others. * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *What sets this book by Siegfried apart from others is the quality of his writing, as well as the direct links he draws between contemporary and ancient views of the multiverse concept. * Library Journal *Starting with the ancient Greeks…chronicles how the concept of the multiverse has evolved as scientists’ understanding of the universe has expanded. * Science News *The most readable tour of cosmology from the perspective of the multiverse to date. -- Robert Schaefer * New York Journal of Books *Packed with surprising historical tidbits and witty asides, Siegfried tells the riveting tale of millennia-long efforts to define not merely the extent of existence, but also the nature of science itself. -- K. C. Cole, author of The Universe and the Teacup: The Mathematics of Truth and BeautyPrepare to enter the mysterious realm of the multiverse! The Number of the Heavens displays unusual depth across several fields of research, allowing scientists, historians, and the general public to experience firsthand a debate of great cosmological import. -- Steven J. Dick, former NASA Chief HistorianExamining the positions of medieval thinkers and today’s physicists alike, this book is a very thorough and timely study of the concept of the multiverse through the ages. -- Marcelo Gleiser, author of The Simple Beauty of the UnexpectedCombining interviews of modern physicists and philosophers with a detailed historical narrative of ancient, medieval, and Renaissance interpretations of the word ‘world,’ Siegfried’s text fills an important gap in the expanding body of multiverse literature. -- Brian Keating * Physics Today *A fast-paced account of the multiverse. -- Julius Lobo * Book Riot *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"James Peebles, Co-Winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics"

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Book SynopsisAn astonishing exploration of planet formation and the origins of life by one of the world’s most innovative planetary geologists.In 1959, the Soviet probe Luna 3 took the first photos of the far side of the moon.Trade Review“Delightful. ... The story swings from the birth of the universe, through the history of astronomy, to the modern understanding of the piece-by-piece building of the planets. ... Makes the solar system an even weirder and more wonderful place than it seemed before.” — Wall Street Journal “A gripping and endlessly fascinating account of how planets formed.” — Alan Stern, planetary scientist and leader of NASA’s New Horizons mission to Pluto "If the planets were born out of material orbiting the Sun, like raindrops condensing from a cloud, why do they differ so much in structure and chemical composition? This detailed book assesses the astronomical and geological evidence on the origin of planetary diversity." — Nature. "Best Science Picks of the week" “When the Earth Had Two Moons is a lyrical exploration of our solar system, introducing not just the facts of its formation and nature but the implications for all of us living on Earth.” — Amy Mainzer, visiting scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and professor of planetary science at the University of Arizona “An enthusiast as well as a fine writer, Asphaug lays it out from the beginning. . . . An expert, entertaining review of what’s known about the solar system.” — Kirkus Reviews “Asphaug draws upon his years of research and expertise to provide the reader with a truly wondrous and surprising exploration of planet formation and the origins of life. A meticulous and expertly presented work of science, When the Earth Had Two Moons is unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended.” — Midwest Book Review “An enthusiastic and erudite guide.” — Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisExplains the structure of the acoustic peaks in the CMB, the E/B decomposition in polarization which may allow for detection of primordial gravity waves, and the modern analysis techniques used on increasingly large cosmological data sets. This book provides foundations, calculations, and interpretations which illuminate the thinking in cosmology.Trade Review"...I like the choice of topics and detailed derivations of some of the basic processes which cannot be found in any other textbook and which really make this book a textbook out of which one can actually learn something. Examples include detailed derivation of inflationary spectrum, Boltzmann equation etc. ... I also like the extensive list of problems at the end of each chapter. This is a great textbook that is long overdue given the importance of the subject..." --Uros Seljak, Princeton University "This book is very up to date and gives excellent treatments of structure formation...This provides what is the most complete such description in an textbook." —Paul H. Frampton, Universtiy of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CERN COURIER (Oct 2003) "(In) Dodelson's Modern Cosmology we have recently obtained an appropriate textbook for the dawn of this new epoch...In a sense, this book is postmodern cosmology (with an affirmative connotation!), in being the first to consider the new wave of challenges for this oldest scientific philosophical pursuit...it provides an excellent introduction to some of the most dynamical areas in physics and astronomy, very likely to remain attractive for at least a couple of decades." —Milan M. Cirkovic, Astronomical Obervatory of Belgrade, FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICS (Oct 2003) "Dodelson writes well and the mathematical derivations are generally well laid out and easy to follow. Useful sets of exercises appear at the end of each chapter, along with suggestions for further reading, often with amusing commentaries. New graduate students, Dodelson's intended audience should find it easy to learn from this book." --George Efstathiou, University of Cambride, England (July 2004)Table of Contents1. The Standard Model and Beyond2. The Smooth, Expanding Universe 3. Beyond Equilibrium 4. The Boltzmann Equations 5. Einstein Equations 6. Initial Conditions 7. Inhomogeneities 8. Anisotropies 9. Probes of Inhomogeneities 10. Weak Lensing and Polarization 11. Analysis A. Solutions to Selected Problems B. Symbols C. Numbers D. Special Functions

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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 SynopsisPaul Davies'' The Goldilocks Enigma: Why is the Universe Just Right for Life? gets to the heart of what makes the universe tick - and what makes our place in it so special. It''s not too hot, it''s not too cold, and its forces act together in a way that''s just right: why does the universe seem so perfectly tailor-made for life to exist? Paul Davies, one of the world''s most acclaimed science writers, shows how everything from the humble carbon atom to the speed of light and the laws of physics themselves interact. He asks: is there a theory of everything within our grasp? If there was a big bang, what happened before it? Is there on universe or many? Could we exist within an endless time loop? ''This is popular science as home to the really big questions''  Independent Books of the Year ''Beautifully judged''  Guardian ''Britain''s most eminent cosmologist ... Davies is effortle

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