Einstein's Greatest Blunder?: The Cosmological Constant and Other Fudge Factors in the Physics of the Universe (Questions of Science) (Paperback)

Einstein's Greatest Blunder?: The Cosmological Constant and Other Fudge Factors in the Physics of the Universe (Questions of Science) (Paperback)
~ Donald Goldsmith (Author)

It is not until you are well into the middle of the book, enthralled by galaxies and looking forward to the mystery of the missing mass, that you realize that you have been absorbed and that everybody else has gone to bed. Here is a first-class work, one of the best accounts of the successes of intellectual curiosity and observation about the universe and of how much more there is to find out. Exciting stuff.
--Roy Herbert (New Scientist )

Donald Goldsmith is one of the world's great astronomy writers, and he shows why in his new book...The cosmological constant skewed Einstein's equations and prevented him from foreseeing one of the grandest discoveries ever: The cosmos is expanding. Goldsmith discusses this and many other cosmological topics in his typically wry style.
--Keay Davidson (San Francisco Examiner )

[Goldsmith's] first eight chapters, which are enough to make the book worthwhile, trace the development of astronomy from Copernicus to its modern form. The lucid text holds the readers' hand through four centuries of astronomy...Then Goldsmith delves into current conundrums in cosmology...Fascinating...Because of its lively account of the history and physics of astronomy, the book will stand as an engaging account of what astronomers do and how the universe works--as far as we know.
--Katherine M. Reynolds (Boston Book Review )

A witty and succinct work on the problems of modern cosmology...In a rapidly changing field, this book captures the excitement and uncertainty of the science. (Choice )

For those seeking to know more about what scientists today think about the universe and why they think it, this well-illustrated book is an excellent place to start.
--Robert W. Smith (Air & Space )

Goldsmith...tells us about the problems that cosmology is having thanks to the numerous discoveries made by the latest astronomical satellites...These contradictions usually find a fast reflection in the press and other broadcasting media, yet they are rarely treated in a coherent, precise way. Goldsmith not only makes us realise what appears to be not quite all right, but also he explains why and what could be, in some cases, the solution to the problem. Being an expert science writer, the author makes a wonderful job, while showing us everything we need to know about the question with great clarity. (The Space Book Board (Barcelona-based web site) )

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Understanding Cosmology (Science Made Accessible) (Paperback)

Understanding Cosmology (Science Made Accessible) (Paperback)
~ Scientific American (Author)

UNDERSTANDING COSMOLOGY is one of the first four titles that launch an exciting new Pocket Science series, from the editors of America's leading popular science magazine, Scientific American.

Comprised of critically acclaimed essays by the world's leading experts on each topic in the series, these collections will become definitive texts on crucial issues of our technological times. The authoritative and prestigious reputation of Scientific American puts these books at the top of any science fan's list.

Scientific American is well known for its coverage of cosmological exploration, evident in the wealth of articles that have appeared on the subject by the biggest names in the field. In this collection of essays, issues explored include: "How Cosmology Became a Science," "Quantum Cosmology and the Creation of the Universe," and the details of universal truths of the cosmos and its evolution.

This Scientific American Pocket Science series examines these questions and discusses the technological and scientific repercussions that spring from the study of cosmology. The book-like the entire series-is targeted to intelligent readers who want to expand their understanding of complex scientific subjects and contains essays from top scientists working in the field, including physicist Stephen G. Brush and the illustrious P. James E. Peebles of Princeton University. Like the magazine, the book encompasses a spectrum of innovation through expert-authored articles that demonstrate the convergence of science, technology, and the world economy, challenging readers with fresh, new ideas and empowering them to make smart, strategic decisions.

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Firefly Atlas of the Universe (Hardcover)

Firefly Atlas of the Universe (Hardcover)
~ Patrick Moore (Author), Sir Arnold Wolfendale FRS (Foreword)

Updating Moore's Atlas of the Universe, first published in 1970 and last revised in 1994, this edition utilizes color maps, charts, drawings, and photos to communicate information about the universe obtained on recent space probes. The book is organized into a series of two-page spreads tracing the history of astronomy, space exploration, and telescopes; exploring the solar system in detail; investigating outer-space objects (e.g., meteors, asteroids, and comets); and discussing the sun and other stars. A final section, entitled "The Practical Astronomer," advises amateur astronomers on how to select a telescope and set it up in a home environment.

Each of the two-page overviews packs a great deal of textual and graphic information into its compact format. The narratives are clearly written; however, they discuss complex scientific theories and technological concepts, and they sometimes contain mathematical calculations that require prior familiarity with the subject in order to be understood (e.g., the chapters dealing with star maps and solar system planets). Readers with little scientific background should refer to the nine-page glossary at the end of the book to understand some of the subjects discussed in the main body of atlas.

Almost every two-page spread appears to be revised somewhat from the last edition. The text has been updated and rewritten, and many of the photos were taken within the past five years using advanced telescopic and photographic technology.

The Firefly Atlas of the Universe provides current, accurate, and detailed information on the universe. It is more comprehensive and current than the National Geographic Picture Atlas of Our Universe (rev. ed., 1994), and it is especially helpful when used with Moore's excellent award-winning Astronomy Encyclopedia (Oxford, 2002), which defines and explains many of the concepts of astrophysics integrated into the atlas. Highly recommended for most public and academic libraries, whether or not these libraries have an earlier edition in their collection. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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SETI 2020: A Roadmap for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (Paperback)

SETI 2020: A Roadmap for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (Paperback)
~ R. D. Ekers (Author, Editor), D. Kent Cullers (Author), John Billingham (Author)

If you are interested in how researchers plan to search the heavens for signs of intelligent life, you should have this book. SETI 2020 is a new, and remarkably comprehensive study of how scientists busy with the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) should direct their efforts between now and the year 2020. Distilling the work of dozens of top SETI experts, astronomers, and technology mavens, this book gives an overview of the problem of finding evidence for extraterrestrial technologies, and how to best address it. New radio telescopes consisting of large arrays of relatively small antennas are proposed and detailed. So are new types of antennas that can survey the entire sky at once. Of particular interest is the extensive treatment of optical SETI - the search for signals beamed our way using high-powered, pulsed lasers or their equivalent. A book that's interesting for both the layman and the technically sophisticated, SETI 2020 is the definitive publication in this fascinating field.

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Chasing Hubble's Shadows: The Search for Galaxies at the Edge of Time (Paperback)

Chasing Hubble's Shadows: The Search for Galaxies at the Edge of Time (Paperback)
~ Jeff Kanipe (Author)

Current research on the earliest galaxies engages the interest of astronomy journalist Kanipe. Reporting that the science has been revolutionized by the image of the Hubble deep field, the first baby portrait ever made of the universe by the Hubble Space Telescope, Kanipe explains how astrophysicists are interpreting the ruddy "blobjects" appearing in the picture. Their distance is a crucial question, and the basis for the answer (an astounding 12 to 13 billion light years) emerges in the author's explanation of cosmological measuring sticks such as supernovae. Of most interest to scientists, however, is the evolutionary connection between the protogalaxies and the beginning of the universe. Piecing together the first billion years of the cosmos is Kanipe's main focus. He starts with demarcations of the epoch, including a dark era in which thick gas blocked light; a "reionization" era coinciding with the formation of the first stars; and then their conglomeration into galaxies. Due to Kanipe's clarity on technical points, general readers will be as excited by the discovery as cosmologists. Gilbert Taylor
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Origins of Life in the Universe (Paperback)

Origins of Life in the Universe (Paperback)
~ Robert Jastrow (Author), Michael Rampino (Author)

This concise and beautifully illustrated book traces the evolution of the Cosmos from the Big Bang to the development of intelligent life on Earth, conveying clear science in an engaging narrative. By mapping the history of the Universe for introductory science and astrobiology course for non-science majors, this book explores many of the most fascinating questions in science. What is the origin of the Universe? How do stars and planets form? How does life begin? How did intelligence arise? Are we alone in the Cosmos? Physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy and geology are combined to create a chronicle of events in which the swirling vapors in the primordial cloud of the Universe evolved over billions of years into conscious life. Features: •The most fascinating questions on the history of the Universe are answered in this text for one-semester introductory science courses.
•The strong narrative and exciting color images of this incredible story will motivate non-science students to develop an understanding of science and life on Earth
•Explains science in a way that isn't overwhelming for non-science majors.
•Questions for the student prompt critical thinking.
•Combines astronomy, geology and biology to give a broad introduction to these sciences for non-science students.
•Coverage of the latest discoveries in astrobiology conveys the excitement of this fast-moving field.

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The Sky Is Not a Ceiling: An Astronomer's Faith (Paperback)

The Sky Is Not a Ceiling: An Astronomer's Faith (Paperback)
~ Aileen O'Donoghue (Author)

# Paperback: 174 pages
# Publisher: Orbis Books (December 14, 2007)
# Language: English

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