The Infinite Cosmos: Questions from the Frontiers of Cosmology.JOSEPH SILK Joseph Silk is the Savilian Chair of Astronomy at the University of Oxford. He came to the UK in 1999 to take up the position of chairman of the Oxford Astrophysics Department, following a nearly 30-year career at the University of California, Berkeley. Cosmology cosmology, area of science that aims at a comprehensive theory of the structure and evolution of the entire physical universe. Modern Cosmological Theories captures the imagination because people are curious about their own and the universe's origins. Silk, a professor of astronomy astronomy, branch of science that studies the motions and natures of celestial bodies, such as planets, stars, and galaxies; more generally, the study of matter and energy in the universe at large. at the University of Oxford, takes readers on a tour of the field and summarizes the knowledge that scientists have amassed about the cosmos. He explains, for instance, how the Big Bang big bang Model of the origin of the universe, which holds that it emerged from a state of extremely high temperature and density in an explosive expansion 10 billion–15 billion years ago. , the reigning theory of the universe's beginning, is finding corroboration with discoveries about the microwave radiation that suffuses the sky. Salk addresses each piece of the universe: stars, black holes, atoms, and even the mysterious dark matter that modern physics predicts but cannot observe A type of fire control which indicates that the observer or spotter will be unable to adjust fire, but believes a target exists at the given location and is of sufficient importance to justify firing upon it without adjustment or observation. . Readers learn about galaxy formation, supermassive black holes, dark energy, the size and shape of the universe, and the likely sequence of events immediately following the Big Bang. Finally, the author broaches philosophical questions, such as whether the universe is infinite, whether nonhuman intelligent life might reach Earth, and whether time has an end. Silk's overview of current cosmology emphasizes the wonder that the universe continuously inspires. Oxford, 2006, 248 p., hardcover, $29.95. |
|
||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion