Degree in a Book: Cosmology is the perfect introduction to cosmology, astronomy and astrophysics. Written by one of NASA's leading astronomers and educators, this book provides you with the essential foundations for understanding the science behind the universe we live in. It will help you answer questions such as: - How do we know the universe is expanding? - What is the theory of relativity? - How does the Higgs mechanism work? - What is dark matter? Filled with helpful diagrams, suggestions for further reading and easily digestible history sections, this book makes it easier than ever to understand the workings of the universe. Featuring the most important ideas in the field, including the Theory of Relativity, the Standard Model, Loop Quantum Gravity, and Supersymmetry, it covers the whole breadth of cosmology.
A Degree in a Book: Cosmology is the perfect introduction to cosmology, astronomy and astrophysics. Written by one of NASA's leading astronomers and educators, this book provides you with the essential foundations for understanding the science behind the universe we live in. It will help you answer questions such as: • How do we know the universe is expanding? • What is the theory of relativity? • How does the Higgs mechanism work? • What is dark matter? Filled with helpful diagrams, suggestions for further reading and easily digestible history sections, this book makes it easier than ever to understand the workings of the universe. Featuring the most important ideas in the field, including the Theory of Relativity, the Standard Model, Loop Quantum Gravity, and Supersymmetry, it covers the whole breadth of cosmology.
Beginning with basic facts about the observable universe, this book reviews the complete range of topics that make up a degree course in cosmology and particle astrophysics. The book is self-contained - no specialised knowledge is required on the part of the reader, apart from undergraduate math and physics. This paperback edition targets students of physics, astrophysics and cosmology from advanced undergraduate to early graduate level.
We become more aware of how little we know about how the cosmos functions as we learn more about it. The Universe is full of secrets, from the doorstep of our own Solar System to the far-off shores of the intergalactic ocean. With the help of a large number of telescopes and satellites, we have increased our understanding of the universe. We have been investigating the history of the cosmos, from the Big Bang through comets' peculiarities and our curiosity about the chemistry of stars. One thing unites many of the most prevalent theories: they start from a mathematical framework that aims to explain more than our existing leading theories can. We Humans, inquisitive creatures shaped by Darwin's theory of natural selection, are used to asking questions. The question is not 'do we know everything from the very nature of physical laws to the underlying discomfort of the ultimate question of our place in the Universe?' or it is 'do we know enough?' But how does the creative principle reside in mathematics? There's something very mathematical about our gigantic Cosmos, and that the more carefully we look, the more equations are built into nature: From basic arithmetic to the calculation of rocket trajectories, math provides a good understanding of the equations that govern the world around us. Our universe isn't just described by math, but that universe is a "grand book" written in the language of mathematics. We find it very appropriate that mathematics has played a striking role in our expanding understanding of the universe − its origin, composition and destiny.
This book is an insightful, understandable, and contemporary perspective on the largest scientific mysteries and provides insight into complex universe-related concerns. The book provides answers to questions about what makes up the majority of the universe, what existed prior to the Big Bang and what exists outside of our universe, whether time always moves forward, whether the universe is infinite or constrained by physical laws, the size of space, and the mass of the universe. This book takes us on an incredible journey through the past, present, and future as well as through physics, astronomy, and mathematics. It demystifies for laymen concepts like antimatter, quarks, black holes, dark energy, and the big bang and completely changes how we view the universe and its fundamental truths.
A Scientific Introduction to Subatomic particles, Alien Intelligence, and Human Space Exploration (For the Cosmically Curious): There are many fundamental questions about the universe that have intrigued scientists, philosophers, and ordinary people for centuries. Here are a few of them: What is the universe made of? This is one of the most basic questions about the universe. Scientists have identified a number of different types of matter and energy, including atoms, subatomic particles, dark matter, and dark energy, but there is still much we don't know. How did the universe begin? The origin of the universe is a subject of intense study and debate. The prevailing theory is the Big Bang, which suggests that the universe began as a singularity and has been expanding ever since. What is the ultimate fate of the universe? Will it keep on expanding indefinitely or will it ultimately come to an end? Some theories suggest that the universe may end in a "big rip" or a "big crunch," while others suggest that it will continue to expand indefinitely. What is the nature of space and time? These are fundamental concepts that are still not fully understood. Some theories suggest that space and time are intertwined and that they can be distorted by the presence of matter and energy. Are there other universes beyond our own? Some theories suggest that our universe may be just one of many in a "multiverse." Although this theory is yet hypothetical, it is a fascinating concept that could have significant ramifications for our comprehension of the cosmos. These are just a few of the many fundamental questions about the universe that scientists and philosophers continue to explore. "Understanding the Universe: Quarks, Leptons and the Big Bang" is a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles that govern the universe we live in. From the tiniest particles to the grandest structures in the cosmos, this book takes readers on a journey of discovery through the mysteries of modern physics and cosmology. Starting with an introduction to the basic building blocks of matter, the book delves into the strange world of quarks and leptons, exploring their properties and interactions. It then examines the forces that govern the behavior of matter, including the strong and weak nuclear forces, electromagnetism, and gravity. The book also covers the history of the universe, from its origins in the Big Bang to the present day, and discusses the evolution of stars and galaxies. Readers will gain a deep understanding of the structure of the universe, its expansion, and the mysterious dark matter and dark energy that make up the vast majority of its mass. Filled with engaging examples, clear explanations, and fascinating insights, "Understanding the Universe: Quarks, Leptons and the Big Bang" is a must-read for anyone interested in the inner workings of the cosmos. Whether you're a student of physics, a science enthusiast, or simply curious about the universe, this book will provide you with a solid foundation for understanding the world around us.
"Into the Void: A Journey Through the Cosmos" We refer to the totality of all objects that exist in space as the "universe." It contains countless stars, galaxies, black holes, vast gas clouds, and a variety of other amazing objects. A few beliefs about how our Universe was born and how it will perish were irrevocably altered by the unexpected discovery that space is not only expanding, but expanding ever faster. Most people find it too difficult and overwhelming to consider the subject of our universe. We can identify with it. Our mind begins to stumble when the topic is brought up, and we begin to doubt one's intelligence in our search for an understanding of the Universe we live in. We spend time looking at the amazing story of how humankind's understanding of the universe has evolved, from Copernicus and Newton through Einstein, Hubble, and beyond. Detailed with the most interesting facts about the universe − this book will extend your mind for a better understanding of our intriguing cosmos whether you're an astrophysicist collecting nice pics of the night sky, a casual viewer of the constellations, or a dedicated scholar working in the field of physics and astronomy. This book takes readers on a journey through the Laws of the Cosmos to the origins and structure of the cosmos, covering the Big Bang, stellar evolution, and gravitational waves. Beginners looking for an accessible introduction to the contemporary understanding of the Universe should pick up this book. It's an interesting read that serves as a fantastic starting point for further research on any subject that grabs the reader's attention. "A Mathematician's Journey to the Edge of the Universe: What's the Ultimate Question?" is a captivating exploration of the cosmos through the lens of mathematics. From the mysteries of dark matter to the behavior of black holes, "A Mathematician's Journey to the Edge of the Universe" explores the cutting edge of modern cosmology and astrophysics, drawing on the latest research and discoveries to shed light on some of the most profound questions about the universe. Ultimately, this book is not just about mathematics and the universe, but about the human quest for knowledge and understanding. It invites readers to join the author on a journey of discovery and exploration, and to contemplate the ultimate question for themselves.
After sleeping through a hundred million years in wisps, ashes and smoking gun, we – the rational beings developed from the Darwin's principle of natural selection − still don't fully understand space, our solar system, and the galaxy. The entire cosmos, of which the planet Earth and the human species are a part, is made up of space, time, matter, and energy. Astronomers' understanding of the cosmos is always changing since there are billions of stars and galaxies, as well as stormy planets, exploding stars and weird black holes in our own galaxy that have not yet been thoroughly examined or defined. But we – a hoard of talking monkeys whose consciousness is from a collection of connected neurons – do currently know some extremely interesting things about the universe. How did the Universe begin? What elements make up stars? What is the true nature of the universe? Have there ever been inhabitants of Mars? How many moons could fit inside earth? From its accelerated expansion to dark matter and energy, the universe continues to amaze and perplex us. The size of the cosmos is unknown, but one thing is for certain: it is vast. The concept of something so enormous can make our existence on the planet Earth feel insignificant because there is obviously a lot of exciting stuff going on in there. This book takes us on a voyage across the galaxy, visiting all the planets, the Moon, the Sun, stars, black holes, comets, asteroids, and more. This is a great addition to your bookshelf whether you are working on an astronomical assignment or you simply want to learn more about our amazing universe.
Whether searching for extra-terrestrial life, managing the effects of space weather or learning about dark matter, the study astrophysics has profound implications for us all. NASA scientist and astronomer Sten Odenwald explains the key concepts of this vast topic, bringing clarity to some of the great mysteries of space. These include: • The theory of relativity • Cosmic background radiation • The evolution of stars • The formation of the solar system • The nature of exoplanets • Space weather systems Filled with helpful diagrams and simple summaries, Knowledge in a Nutshell: Astrophysics is perfect for the non-expert, taking the complexities of space science and making them tangible. ABOUT THE SERIES The 'Knowledge in a Nutshell' series by Arcturus Publishing provides engaging introductions to many fields of knowledge, including philosophy, psychology and physics, and the ways in which human kind has sought to make sense of our world.
Explore the mysteries of the cosmos in this fascinating guide by leading NASA astronomer and educator Sten Odenwald. Have you ever wondered how the first stars were born? Or pondered what really happens around a black hole? Here Sten Odenwald answers these questions and many more as he takes you on a mesmerizing journey across the entire history of the universe. You will learn about the composition of planets, galaxy mergers, asteroid belts, the fundamental nature of spacetime, and much, much more. Discovering the Universe reveals the secrets behind subjects as varied as the Big Bang, dark matter, the life cycle of stars, and the nature of planets both inside and outside our solar system. Beautifully illustrated throughout with stunning photos as well as a range of diagrams and infographics to aid understanding, there has never been a better time to get into cosmology. ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus' Discovering... series brings together spectacular hardback guides which explore the science behind our world, brought to life by eye-catching photography.
An exploration of New Zealand’s Maori cosmology and how it relates to classic ancient symbolic traditions around the world • Shows how Maori myths, symbols, cosmological concepts, and words reflect symbolic elements found at Göbekli Tepe in Turkey • Demonstrates parallels between the Maori cosmological tradition and those of ancient Egypt, China, India, Scotland, and the Dogon of Mali in Africa • Explores the pygmy tradition associated with Maori cosmology, which shares elements of the Little People mythology of Ireland, including matching mound structures and common folk traditions It is generally accepted that the Maori people arrived in New Zealand quite recently, sometime after 1200 AD. However, new evidence suggests that their culture is most likely centuries older with roots that can be traced back to the archaic Göbekli Tepe site in Turkey, built around 10,000 BC. Extending his global cosmology comparisons to New Zealand, Laird Scranton shows how the same cosmological concepts and linguistic roots that began at Göbekli Tepe are also evident in Maori culture and language. These are the same elements that underlie Dogon, ancient Egyptian, and ancient Chinese cosmologies as well as the Sakti Cult of India (a precursor to Vedic, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions) and the Neolithic culture of Orkney Island in northern Scotland. While the cultural and linguistic roots of the Maori are distinctly Polynesian, the author shows how the cosmology in New Zealand was sheltered from outside influences and likely reflects ancient sources better than other Polynesian cultures. In addition to shared creation concepts, he details a multitude of strikingly similar word pronunciations and meanings, shared by Maori language and the Dogon and Egyptian languages, as well as likely connections to various Biblical terms and traditions. He discusses the Maori use of standing stones to denote spiritual spaces and sanctuaries and how their esoteric mystery schools are housed in structures architecturally similar to those commonly found in Ireland. He discusses the symbolism of the Seven Mythic Canoes of the Maori and uncovers symbolic aspects of the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha in Maori cosmology. The author also explores the outwardly similar pygmy traditions of Ireland and New Zealand, characterized by matching fairy mound constructions and mythic references in both regions. He reveals how the trail of a group of Little People who vanished from Orkney Island in ancient times might be traced first to Scotland, Ireland, and England and then on to New Zealand, accompanied by signature elements of the global cosmology first seen at Gobekli Tepe.
Learn how a world-class inventor-scientist is currently tackling the greatest scientific mysteries of the universe -- and succeeding. With his new book, Drexler provides a viable baseline to jump-start debate on a standard model for postmodern cosmology. It is the first book to not only address these seven unsolved cosmic mysteries, shown in this book's subtitle, but also offer plausible explanations for each of them. The correlation of these seven cosmic phenomena by Drexler offers a revolutionary advance in cosmological research and potentially broad acceptance and use of the related concepts. This book was written for open-minded cosmologists, astronomers, astrophysicists, physicists, engineers, students, enthusiasts and those at NASA, NSF, DOE and ESO who want to understand postmodern cosmology. The author's five years of cosmology research, and his successes, convinced him that his postmodern cosmology model is correctly based upon the relationships and linkages of these seven cosmic phenomena.