Book Description

A Brilliant Journey into the World of Beauty and Modern Cosmology

"Thought-provoking . . . engaging."–New Scientist

"The Accelerating Universe is not only an informative book about cosmology. It is rich storytelling and, above all, a celebration of the human mind on its quest for beauty in all things."–Alan Lightman, bestselling author of Einstein’s Dreams

"Stimulating."–Nature

"The reader will enter a ‘garden of delights.’"–Physics World

"Far more than a puzzle for specialists, the struggle to reinterpret the cosmos raises fundamental questions about the human craving for order: Does this craving reflect deep cosmic harmonies that helped create our species? Or does it simply defy an irreducible chaos that we would rather not confront? Livio probes these questions with a daring sufficient to satisfy the hungriest curiosity."–Booklist

In this entertaining and lively exploration of the universe, Hubble Space Telescope scientist Mario Livio introduces us to the "old cosmology," which culminated in the view of a perfectly balanced universe, and then presents all of the fascinating ideas being explored by cosmologists in the "new cosmology," which has been inspired by the discovery of acceleration. Providing extraordinarily clear explanations of all the key concepts and theoretical ideas, Livio is a marvelous guide through this most exciting frontier in science today. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Will the Beauty of the Final Theory Be Hold out?
A cosmologist and art fanatic, Mario Livio, elegantly tells the general reader about the recent observational finding that the expansion of the universe is speeding up contrary to the long-held belief of slowing-down expansion. He stresses the effect of this finding on the beauty of the fundamental theory of the universe; or rather the central theme of the book is that beauty.

Livio clearly explains his requirements for the beauty in physical and cosmological theories: symmetry, simplicity, and the Copernican principle (we are nothing special). According to the author, the tentative discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe poses a frightening challenge to the beauty of the final theory by raising difficult questions about the non-zero value of the cosmological constant (or the energy of the vacuum). From the viewpoint of the Copernican principle Livio rejects resorting to the anthropic principle for giving a quick answer to those questions. The story told about the recent finding of extrasolar planets is intriguing and helps strengthen the basis of the expanding Copernican principle.

The book is so good that I am tempted to write all of its minor deficiencies I have noticed: The explanation of the inflationary model is not very understandable as the author himself admits in the book. The author's bottom line for Carter's argument about the rarity of extraterrestrial intelligent civilization is rather confusing, because the latter's argument seems simply wrong due to the contradiction of his conclusion to his two-possibility reasoning, aside from the dubiousness of his crucial assumption at the start. In the last chapter Livio writes about Wheeler's view of the participatory universe, but its distinction from the anthropic principle, if any, is not made clear. The first name of the Japanese physicist and cosmologist Katsuhiko Sato is misprinted as Katsuoko. It would have been much better to include bibliography of the books cited and the photographs of many paintings referred to.

Great on cosmology, not so good on art
Livio is head of the science program for the Hubble Space Telescope and as such is eminently qualified to write on the topic of cosmology. Here he not only tries to provide an overview of current thinking about the origin and evolution of the universe but also attempts to explain what makes for a beautiful theory (in short: symmetry, simplicity, and the Copernican principle, i.e., that we and/or the earth are nothing special). He definitely succeeds at the former. In fact, this may be one of the best and easiest to follow explanations of the Big Bang and the inflationary universe that I have encountered. Going beyond that, though, he seems to overstretch himself: he attempts to be more dramatic by including several imagined dialogues involving (at various points) Galileo, Newton, and Einstein, none of which are particularly successful. And his attempts to relate beauty in physics to artistic beauty are undercut by a production limitation: none of the paintings to which he refers are represented in the book. In fact, except for the cover (which incorporates a painting never mentioned in the text), there are no illustrations at all except for a few abstract, explanatory ones-strange for a book with the phrase "beauty of the cosmos" in the subtitle.

Still, this remains an excellent layman's book on cosmology and is sufficiently up-to-date to include the recent discovery that the universe appears to be expanding at an increasing rate. Highly recommended for those interested in the subject.

Good general summary but problematic premise
This book furnishes an excellent overview of the observational finds of the past few years that have so shaken up the astronomical community with their implications. As the title indicates, Livio's book examines the discovery that the universal expansion is apparently accelerating rather than slowing down, as previously believed, due to some mysterious driving force. Livio is on the front lines, as one might say, as scientific director of the Hubble Space Telescope project, and he presents an insider's view of things.

Livio unfortunately dallies with something that he calls the cosmological aesthetic principle-- his term-- as a new framework in which to provide and organise cosmological theories. One of the central criteria is the theory's aesthetic appeal, something related to it's symmetry, copernican nature (i.e. not singling out any particular epoch or place as being special), and its overall simplicity. Livio does present some reasonable arguments. But overall his suggestion here is of dubious merit in large part because, as is apparent throughout the book, there is too much emphasising what is desired to be seen, rather than what actually is seen. There is inherently a prior presumption about how the universe should be and should behave-- a product of a particular theoretical tradition-- when the recent findings in this and other respects suggest many surprises up ahead, even at the fundamentals. The author also seems a bit too sure of himself in regard to the recent theoretical models and ideas as well as the observations themselves. The recent findings and the constantly changing nature of science itself would argue for more care in such interpretations. So the book is worth a read as a general summary, but has problems in its basic ideas.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...
Mario Livio, the scientific chief of the Hubble Space Telescope project, has written a book with a lot of potential. Considering the implications of recent discoveries that distant galaxies are farther away (and thus receding faster) than expected, with the concomitant suggestion of accelerating cosmic expansion, Livio ponders what this means for cosmological models. He concerns himself here with the junction of scientific theories and aesthetic concerns, the beauty and elegance that seem to have characterized some of the best theories (e.g. Newton's mechanics, Einsteinian general relativity). He suggests that 3 key criteria be used to evaluate the quality of a new cosmological theory-- symmetry, simplicity, and the Copernican principle (the "principle of mediocrity" or, generally, the idea that earth is nothing special in the universe).

Livio's book fails, unfortunately, for several reasons.

(1) One problem is technical: For all the emphasis that Livio puts on beauty and the relation of excellent scientific theories to great art, his book has oddly omitted the occasional figure with an example of such great art-- paintings, sculptures, illustrations, something that a reader can relate his ideas to.

(2) Livio is clearly enthusiastic about his field and his work with the Hubble Space Telescope, and this is a good thing overall. But he becomes too enamored with the recent discoveries and does not properly think through what they are implying. Rather than humbly admitting what astrophysicists and cosmologists constantly repeat in the journals-- the fact that we simply don't know what the current observations truly mean, and what is impelling them-- Livio overreaches here. We don't know the source of the "cosmological constant" that seems to be doing the accelerating, nor exactly how it manifests (or how it did so in the past). Yet Livio claims that it basically maps out the trend of cosmological progression, then proceeds in all kinds of unfounded detail about what it means. This comes out when Livio suggests that the future is now better known than the cosmic past-- an obviously ludicrous conclusion, since not just cosmological theories but fundamental ways of regarding the cosmos and basic assumptions change, and (especially recently) with rapidity. Moreover, no matter what process is discerned, it is simply not possible to say more than the vaguest thing about what it means overall since, in general, our understanding of the universe and spacetime is developing yet still nascent in so many ways. Most puzzlingly, Livio proceeds from this shaky basis to map out a picture of the cosmos which he claims to be beautiful, but is simplistic and downright dull. Which leads to the third problem:

(3) In choosing his criteria for evaluating theory, Livio introduces a regrettable bias. Desires for symmetry and simplicity have been present since Galileo's time. But Livio seems almost obsessed with the Copernican principle. I myself share his predilection for the principle, and would hope that theorists would tend to formulate cosmological models without having to invoke anything special about earth or what has happened here. But we cannot assume up front that this is going to be the case; the evidence has to decide that, not a personal preference. When Livio cites the Copernican principle it seems to be in response to the so-called anthropic principles, the "strong anthropic principle" suggesting some kind of life-promoting design in the cosmos and the "weak anthropic principle" stating the obvious-- life is here on earth, and there must be something about the physical constants and forces that is conducive to it. Livio is justifiably hesitant with regard to the strong version, but is in danger of neglecting the obvious fact of the weak version. Earth, in some sense, might seem "messy" and "incongruent" with regard to the criteria that Livio sets up, but the planet may indeed turn out to be special, especially when the enigma of earth's biology is considered. We should not assume that up front, but nor should we rule it out; cosmological theories have to be open to different possibilities. As one reviewer below pointed out, Aristotle's musical spheres picture was very beautiful, but it turned out to be flat wrong. Accurate theories in cosmology may turn out not to have simplicity to be comprehensive, and the Copernican principle may not be appropriate, at least in certain respects; we have to be open to that possibility, which suggests that Livio's Cosmological Aesthetic Principle might be a questionable set of criteria.

Great book for a novice
I am only 14 and want to be an astrophysisyst and I think this was a great book to start with. The book goes into good detail on everything exept for DNA and RNA. If you can relate to art, and understand the beuty of the cosmos, you will like this book ALOT. This book went by fast for me because it has such good explanations of everything in the book and was easily understandable. If you really want to study space, this is a great book to start it with. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (32)

A smirk and a wink do not a good science book make
I read Brian Greene's The Elegant Universe before The Hole in the Universe. No doubt, the scientific depth of Greene's near-masterpiece bolstered my negative reaction to Cole's rather light-weight book. A serious science reader should avoid "Hole": it is superficial, contains a bizarre digression, and is too clever for its own good. One could argue that Hole's relatively short length is a benefit. Undoubtedly, some short science books are very good. (Short works by Martin Rees, John Barrow, and Paul Davies demonstrate this point.) Hole's short length, however, is not evidence of the author having synthesized mind-bending and mathematically challenging material into clear, tight prose. Hole is so short because it's so superficial. In fact, I would argue that the book is too long. The bizarre digression I mentioned above occurs at the end of the book where Cole discusses how the human brain perceives (or misperceives) the world. The connection to her main subject -- "nothing" -- is tenuous, at best. The only plausible explanation I can come up with for Cole's wierd digression is that it allowed her to briefly discuss two books she likes (one of which -- Phantoms in the Brain -- I have read and was shocked to find mentioned in Hole). Finally, I was extremely annoyed by the clever word play and frequent interruptions in Hole. The word play got old very quickly. Nothing, something, and anything -- yes, these words can create cute sentences when the subject is nothing, but not past the first chapter. Thankfully, the word play decreased after the third or fourth chapter, but my irritation with the author never left me. As for the interruptions, I dislike headers and quotes every 2.5 pages of a book. It gave Hole the feel of a very long Newsweek article. If I could, I would put a sticker on the jacket advertising Hole as a MTV Book Club selection, "catering to short attention spans." Hole isn't useless, but I didn't find it particularly enlightening. Several contemporary physicists have written popular science books that cover the topic of nothing more deeply and more satisfyingly.

Something for Nothing
A lot of books try to be about something, but turn out to be about nothing. This book says it's about nothing, which reveals everything. Well, at least something. This book starts from zero and goes nowhere fast. But the concept of zero is very important, as well as very funny for some reason. Or maybe none at all. Nothing itself turns out to be something. For example, sometimes nothing is equilibrium, which is the sum of opposing somethings. Then again, sometimes there's nothing until you look at it. Only then it is something. Or something like that. You would think nothing and emptiness have nothing in common, but it turns out they do have something, and maybe everything. K.C. Cole is a columnist and teacher, and uses those skills to create a book you can read a little or a lot at a time. Wit and a good ear also help move things along. This book goes from zero to the speed of space. It's a fast laugh track around physics, quantum mechanics, string theory--life, the universe and...nothing. Yes, it's everything you ever wanted to know about nothing but were afraid to ask. Lovers of games, paradox and cosmic concepts with everyday implications should find this a relatively painless way to understand why humans makes so much ado about nothing. I can see Einstein and Groucho Marx reading passages to each other and laughing hysterically, while Buddha smiles and nods. To most people physics has been sounding crazier all the time, with its quarks of color and raspberry flavored gluons, as if maybe making the Bomb unhinged them all, so it's worth listening to what a knowledgeable and articulate non-scientist makes of it. Sometimes the metaphors don't quite work, and sometimes such a big universe in such a small space means it simplifies maybe a bit too much. But what we may lose in sophistication we make up in a refreshing respite from scientific self-importance. Besides, it's not easy to express complexities simply--I suspect some of these painless paragraphs cost blood, sweat and tears to write. So if you have zero interest in boring explanations, you'll find this book quite something. Prepare your mind for quite a ride-if you don't get dizzy, you missed something-or maybe nothing. And if you've suspected that science and the absurd are like two parallel lines about to intersect, this book may confirm it. Which is not to say that science is wrong, although it's clear that even now with everything we've learned, we know next to nothing for certain about anything. At one point Cole asks us to imagine the universe as the scum on the surface of a pond. Sounds reasonable to me--pond scum explains a lot. After reading Cole I'm confirmed in my belief that this is the most ridiculous universe I've ever heard.

Fabulous
This book will blow your mind. It is elegant, deep, crystal clear. A tour of nothingness that will turn you inside out: whether Cole is writing about the number zero, the perceptual aspects of seeing and feeling "nothing," the physics of the vacuum or the origin of time, you will feel right at home in this universe.

Don't expect anything
I expected nothing, and got nothing. Isn't that something? If you have meditated for many years and fringed on dharmakaya this book is a delightful dance with that from which everything comes. Ken Wilber too confusing, or too long? K. C. Cole waterskis some of the same territory, and , frankly, I'm not sure why he isn't a reference. This is a book a Buddhist could love. But zen that isn't saying much. Would have liked even more diagrams, and more pictures.

Not much ado about nothing
Despite its grandiose title, Cole's concise volume focuses less on "everything" (or a theory thereof) and more on historical and contemporary concepts of "nothing" and of "zero." In the first paragraph of her introduction, the author admits the difficulty of writing such a book and claims she avoids the temptations of "following [nothing] wherever it leads, getting lost in the semantic thicket of nothing puns, or simply bouncing the idea around on one's knee, string together curious facts and ancient history." In fact, this perplexing book succumbs to all three faults.

After an introductory, overlong, and (yes) pun-packed overview, Cole gets to the meat of the book. A history of zero and nothingness from the Greeks to the nineteenth century precedes a chapter on mathematical concepts, three chapters on physics (fields, quantum theory, spacetime, black holes, string theory), and two chapters on cosmology (big bang, inflation, the cosmological constant, repulsive force). The penultimate chapter, on how visual perception and psychological factors influence the concepts of nothingness, seems noticeably out of place.

Yet this outline of the book is deceptive, since the vaguely structured chapters seldom confine themselves to the topics at hand. A lack of transitions, a fondness for rhetorical questions, and an excess of tangents further confuse Cole's rambling banter. A symptom of the book's lack of organization is the unjustifiable frequency with which the author interjects that there will be "more on this topic later."

And then there are the puns. In spite of the author's preemptive reassurance to the contrary, there are so many quips along the lines of the one I've used to title this review that it's occasionally difficult to know how seriously a statement or observation is meant. Cole is quite capable of hitting her targets: there are a number of mind-expanding images, genuine bursts of witticism, and sharply described concepts, but, just as often, the discussion falters in linguistic limbo. Granted, Cole has an unenviable task, since even scientists haven't yet developed the language to discuss many of the concepts she describes, but her prose isn't aided by the preference for clever wordplay and winking asides over straightforward exposition and unambiguous definitions.

The book is not entirely without merit; one's reaction will surely depend on one's interests and background. Some readers, especially those who enjoy works of popular metaphysics, might regard the ideas presented here as mind-expanding, even satisfying, but fans of science writing are likely to be disappointed. Those readers should investigate instead the significant number of books listed in Cole's bibliography, most of which discuss these topics far more clearly. ... Read more

Book Description

The astronomical community is wrongly interpreting cosmological data by using the standard Big Bang Model. In this highly controversial volume, three distinguished cosmologists argue this premise with persuasion and conviction.Starting with the beginnings of modern cosmology, they conduct a deep and wide review of the observations made from 1945 to the present, explaining what they regard as the defects and inconsistencies that exist within the interpretation of cosmological data. This is followed by an extensive presentation of the authors' own alternative view of the status of observations and how they should be explained. Along the way, the book touches on the most fundamental questions, including the origin, age, structure, and properties of the Universe. Writing from the heart, with passion and punch, Hoyle, Burbidge, and Narlikar, make a powerful case for viewing the universe in a different light, which will be of great interest to graduate students, researchers, and professionals in astronomy, cosmology, and physics. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Strictly for the credulous.
Earth to cultists: Hoyle's steady-state theory was discredited forty years ago. Give it up already.

An excelent book.
Having read what the other gentlements said about the book. I have not much to say. It pretty much gives a better cosmological model for our Universe than the standart model for it brings commum sense and simple logic back to the field. However, I would like to comment a sentence wrote by the Scientific American editors:

"Seemingly plausible ideas can have subtle flaws, and it takes a collective effort of problem solving to find them out."

I wonder that what is going on with mainstream Science nowadays is even worse than I thought. It look likes they assume that standart models can NOT possible be wrong and that any other models MUST fail in order to keep the standart one.

Plausible ideas are the BEST ideas in Science. Of course it still can have flaws, but as they pointed out, the flaws are often subtle. But in the illogical and nonsensical big-bang model, the flaws are OBVIOUS. Also, if you read this book or "Seeing Red" by Alton Harp or "Dark Matter, missing planets and new comets" by Tom V. Flandern, you will find out (in spite of what the Scientific American are trying to tell you) that in fact the standart model IS durty.

I strongly recommend this book because I have found a logical truth and I'd like you find it by yourself as well: The Universe is infinity in space and time and the so-called Big-Bang actually NEVER happened.

Seeing the Universe in a different light...
A rare and well balanced scientific discussion of the relative merits of the new Quasi Steady State versus Big Bang concept of the Universe. This book gives the reader a feel for the basis of our understanding of the Universe. A feeling for the vast uncertainties concerning our interpretation of distant objects, such as Quasars.

Please note: This book is for serious students of cosmology. The authors presume the reader has an understanding of general relativity.

Compelling! the cosmology paradigm debates ended too soon!
Sir Fred Hoyle and fellow authors, Geoffrey Burbidge and Jayant Narlikar show why the paradigm debates in modern cosmology ended too soon! Their sweeping analysis includes the early static universe concepts, the Einstein, de Sitter, and Friedmann-Lemaitre relativistic models, the controversy of the classic Steady-State vs. the Big Bang, and the contemporary Big Bang paradigm. As participants, they discuss the controversies over interpretation of the Hubble velocity-distance relation, light element origins, the radio sources and their fabled distributions, the quasars, the cosmic microwave background, and large-scale matter distribution.

They summarize the accumulating evidences for intrinsic-peculiar redshifts, and ejection of compact X-ray and optical sources from active galactic nuclei. The Big Bang is found wanting both in theoretical assumption and observationally. Building on their Quasi-Steady-State cosmology, the authors propose that both observation and scale-invariant gravitational equations require us to consider an ongoing-episodic creation of matter within the universe. . . .

Don't let prevailing theory (or episodic mathematical equations) keep you from reading this important book! ... Read more

Book Description

This text presents numerous illustrations of the observed variability of cataclysmic variable stars. It provides a clear explanation and thorough up-to-date overview of this phenomenon at a level accessible to the advanced amateur or undergraduate student. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

nearly perfect
"Cataclysmic Variable Stars: How and Why They Vary" by Coel Hellier is
one of those rare books that successfully toes the line between being a
scientific and a popular book. This book is so popular with AAVSO HQ staff that it
frequently is taken home and has to be tracked down when someone needs it!
It works as both a reference and a straight-through read. As a reference,
one can confidentally refer to it when coming across any type of unfamiliar
CV. As a straight-through read, it is clearly structured and written in a
lively style that makes it easy to go from start to finish.
The majority of the book is broken up into sections about the different
types of CVs. Each section is well illustrated with light curves (many coming
from AAVSO observations from observers like you), historical background, a
breakdown of the system with easy-to-read diagrams, theory, and more. When
mathematics is introduced it is always in a sidebar or appendix which allows
those interested to get involved but does not require an understanding of the
equations for those who wish to avoid math.
The book is not simply an encyclopedia of CVs, though. It covers everything
from basic visual and CCD observing techniques to how to derive a stellar mass
from your observations.
This is a book that every CV lover should own along with anyone who is
interested in learning more about these enigmatic objects. The layout,
illustrations, structure, and writing have all come together to create what is
almost the perfect book on CVs. I hope the team that put together this book
continues to work together on future endevours. If so, the future of variable
star publications looks not variable at all, but bright and steady.

Thanks, Coel, for writing this book
Thanks, Coel, this book has made my job of involving undergraduates in my research (on CVs, of course) much easier. It is suitable for amateurs, too, being self-contained with its chapter on CCD photometry. It's also nicely produced, and yet the price is quite reasonable...: I have no qualms with telling them to go out and buy their own copies, necessary since both my copies are already in the hands of students.

"Absolutely Astonishing"
Gives the reader a full understanding of why these cataclysmic variable stars are so important to understanding the cosmos. Amateur astronomers will love this. Don't be surprised to find yourself gazing at a variable star next trip to the backyard. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is a comprehensive and coherent introduction to the role of cosmic strings and other topological defects in the universe.After an introduction to standard cosmological theory and the theory of phase transitions in the early universe, the book then describes, in turn, the properties, formation, and cosmological implications of cosmic strings, monopoles, domain walls and textures. It concludes with a chapter considering the role of topological defects in inflationary universe models. Ample introductory material is included to make the book readily accessible. It will be of interest to graduate students and researchers in particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good book, though dated
With so much having happened in cosmology in the past several years, pretty much any book not written very recently or about intro topics has lost some of its relevence. With that restriction in place here, one still finds this book to be very informative and useful. Many pioneering efforts are encapsulated here, and although alternative theories have surpassed some of the theories presented in this book any cosmologist should have this book on his/her shelf. ... Read more

Amazon.com

There are many atlases showing features on the surface of the earth, but this book is the only one (in late 1998, at least) to cover the whole universe. Patrick Moore, who has hosted BBC Radio's popular The Sky at Night program for more than 40 years, gives straightforward, though not simplistic, explanations of astronomical objects of every order of magnitude. He includes charts of every mapped body in the solar system (except Earth), as well as maps and guides to every constellation.

Throughout this encyclopedic work, Moore emphasizes information likely to be useful to amateur astronomers. He provides better coverage of comets and variable stars than do most general works, for instance, because these are areas where amateurs can make important observations. Although he includes a number of gorgeously colored pictures from the Hubble space telescope and other top-flight observatories, Moore retains a focus on what you yourself might be able to see. An excellent single-volume reference, Atlas of the Universe is also a good starting point for your own exploration of the heavens. --Mary Ellen Curtin ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Informative
I am pleased with the up to date information available in Atlas of the Universe. I bought the book as a research tool and found it very resourceful. If you are interested in the study of the planets and known cosmos or have a child interested in the same, this is a reasonable purchase. ... Read more

Book Description

Combining a critical account of observational methods (telescopes and instrumentation) with a lucid description of the Universe, including stars, galaxies and cosmology, Smith provides a comprehensive introduction to the whole of modern astrophysics beyond the solar system. The first half describes the techniques used by astronomers to observe the Universe: optical telescopes and instruments are discussed in detail, but observations at all wavelengths are covered, from radio to gamma-rays. After a short interlude describing the appearance of the sky at all wavelengths, the role of positional astronomy is highlighted. In the second half, a clear description is given of the contents of the Universe, including accounts of stellar evolution and cosmological models. Fully illustrated throughout, with exercises given in each chapter, this textbook provides a thorough introduction to astrophysics for all physics undergraduates, and a valuable background for physics graduates turning to research in astronomy. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A little something for everyone
Very broad in its scope with enough depth to deal with the fundamentals while pointing the reader in the right direction for a more detailed treatment of the subject matter. Could be used as a text or reference book, or simply read as I chose, to broaden ones knowledge. Contains a good overview of the tools and techniques of radio astronomy. A fair bit of math employed, but not overwhelming to the educated reader. Reading level is geared toward a 3rd or 4th year undergrad in physics/astronomy but would also be useful as a primer for graduate level students or the serious amateur. Good book at a good price! ... Read more

Book Description

A mesmerizing challenge to orthodox cosmology with powerful implications not only for cosmology itself but also for our notions of time, God, and human nature -- with a new Preface addressing the latest developments in the field.

Far-ranging and provocative, The Big Bang Never Happened is more than a critique of one of the primary theories of astronomy -- that the universe appeared out of nothingness in a single cataclysmic explosion ten to twenty billion years ago. Drawing on new discoveries in particle physics and thermodynamics as well as on readings in history and philosophy, Eric J. Lerner confronts the values behind the Big Bang theory: the belief that mathematical formulae are superior to empirical observation; that the universe is finite and decaying; and that it could only come into being through some outside force. With inspiring boldness and scientific rigor, he offers a brilliantly orchestrated argument that generates explosive intellectual debate.

"Lerner does a fine job poking holes in Big Bang thinking and provides a historical perspective as well, linking scientific theories to trends in philosophy, politics, religion and even economics...a most readable book." -- Chicago Tribune ... Read more

Reviews (41)

You'd think the fate of the universe was at stake
Here's another sensational statement for you: There's no need to become hysterical when attacking or defending this book. I have some problems with Lerner's style and conclusions, but I think he successfully makes the point that the role of plasma physics in the formation of galaxies is deserving of further consideration. And his objections to the Big Bang are neither new nor shocking; with the exception of the age of the "Great Wall," they comprise the same problems that cosmologists have been working indefatigably to explain since the Big Bang theory gained mass acceptance. His heresy is simply in seeking outside the parameters of the Big Bang for a solution. One reviewer, who finds Lerner's conclusions--and perhaps even his search--unjustifiable, says that this book "deserves to be burned." There are several unflattering names for this approach to debate.

Apropos of reviewers, a couple of them recommend that prospective readers seek out the works of Nobel laureates, who "know what they're talking about." The "obscure Lerner" based his book on the work of Hannes Alfven, who won the Nobel prize in 1970 for his work in plasma physics and is considered the father of that discipline. (Alfven took another heretical position when he claimed that electrical currents could pass through space. Both his idea and the proofs he offered were met with howling derision, but oddly enough he turned out to be right!)

Another reviewer complains that Lerner offers no explanation for the uniformity of background microwave radiation. In fact, he offers an explanation based on a diffusion effect caused by the absorption and emission of microwaves by "black bodies." Right or wrong, it's in the book and can thus be subjected to rational inquiry.

Plasma cosmology may someday be proven to be dead wrong. Until then, it's an elegant, exciting theory that deserves open-minded discussion rather than the largely subliterate polemics--pro and con--afforded it in this forum of eBay amateurs. No one should feel so secure in the accuracy of a human conception as to be unwilling to at least read a dissenting viewpoint.

The Big Bang Never Happened
This is one of the most penetrating analysis of the modern Big Bang cosmology I have ever read. On point after point, Lerner demonstrates the absolute impotence of the Big Bang to explain celestial phenomena.

From the expansion of the universe, to the far too smooth black-body radiation. The Big Bang fails. I am sure that the Big Bangers will go to their blackboards and just recalculate their equations. But the evidence is clear: The Big Bang is dead!

Supercluster complexes reveal a universe that is 4 times older than the Big Bang is supposed to be. The only explaination of these stuctures is Inflationary theory, and this has shown to be lacking in evidence as well.

If anything, READ THIS BOOK! The revolution against the Big Bang is underway, the scientific elite can no longer keep dissent in a quiet little corner. As a greek philosopher once said:

"The Church insists that the earth is flat. But I know better. For I have seen the shadow the earth casts upon the moon. And I have more faith in that shadow than in the Church."

The "shadow" of cosmology has been seen, shall we know hold to a faith in a Big Bang universe?

In Memoriam of a Theory Dead Before It Was Born
I am happy to see that at least someone was bright enough to give this book a rating below 3. It has been 13 years, but I do not see any descendants of this "plasma theory." Instead, the Big Bang is stronger than ever. No, the Big Bang Theory is not a cuckoo. It is based on empirical evidence, and has a firm theoretical background. Computer simulations of the Big Bang has shown that such a universe evolves into one similar to ours, with stars, galaxies, and black holes, to name a few. If there could be an alternative to the big bang, it would come from String Theory, our strongest candidate for a Theory of Everything.

To be honest, I needed only read the first chapter to know that I have wasted a lot of money (though I did keep reading...) The arguments are not sufficiently strong, and most of the author's ideas (i.e. the "Cosmological Pendulum") are clearly based on opinion, not fact (in physics, one observes the swing of the pendulum repedeately to get an accurate result. His idea is based on only ONE complete swing: myth-truth-myth.)

For those out there who are (too) gullible when it comes to science(fiction), I recommend going to www.skeptic.com. It never hurts to be a skeptic. Especially about people making extraordinary claims (The Big Bang Never Happened) with crackpot evidence (The "Cosmological Pendulum")

Provocative examination of cosmology debate
Lerner's book is as much about the process of scientific reasoning and factors that influence the flow of scientific debate as it is about the ideas and observations related to Big Bang Theory and Plasma Cosmology. Lerner makes many valid points about how the Big Bang Theory is based on assumptions that can't be proven and has been continually receiving mathematical tweaks to fit observations that conflict with predictions of existing big bang models. He explores the issues of evolution and entropy in relation to cosmological theories, and superficially explores the role of consciousness in all this, as he has a bias against metaphysical ideas that seems to be the same type of flawed approach that he criticizes in big bang theorists. If there are observations and situations that conflict with the theory then you have to consider that the theory is flawed, even if it is useful and practical in some ways. Actually, experiential and empirical evidence indicate that consciousness is the prime cause and is inherent in all energy, even though physical sciences can't directly examine consciousness. Thus, both big bang theory and plasma cosmology ignore the source that projected the physical universe in the first place, even though plasma cosmology does recognize electromagnetism as the most essential measurable force in astrophysics. This book is great for exposing flaws in big bang theory, but I would encourage those looking for the most advanced ideas in cosmology to consider authors who delve into metaphysics. If you want to understand reality/creation you would do better to read some of Deepak Chopra's work or books like Lynn McTaggart's "The Field" and "The Living Energy Universe" by Schwartz & Russek.

It's 2003, this book is now dated and dead
Sorry guys, I'm glad this provided some excitement and interest in science but the things that Lerner was complaining about in 1991 have mostly been addressed by observation, we have seen black holes finally, and telescope technology has drawn back the curtain on a lot of the universe. Those Kludges that he complained about, dark matter and dark energy, are about as real as matter and energy. The second law stands. No, everything within the big bang isn't static, new parts are introduced, some rejected but the big one, The Big Bang itself, is no longer just a hypothesis, it's now a full blown scientific theory, you know, like gravity, evolution, and electromagnetism. If you haven't kept up with all the research that's been done, who can blame you. But this book was written when there were (somewhat)valid questions. Not so much anymore. If nothing else, you can enjoy a little bit of the history of scientific thought. This book, if nothing else, is a testament to the problems inherent in disseminating information to the masses. Add to that the reality that we live in a world that gets bigger and more complex with new discoveries. It's rough out there on people who have the curiousity but not the technical background. But that is the nature of science. Revolutions happen. The truly weird part is that it's impossible to keep up, even for the people doing the actual research. ... Read more

Amazon.com

To millions, the late Carl Sagan became eponymous with the science of cosmology and, in fact, the pursuit of scientific inquiry in general. This book, which followed his death in late 1996, is a collection of essays recounting the many facets of scientific inquiry--from planetary probes to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence--on which he made his mark. Among the noteworthy authors are physicist Kip Thorne and famous debunker James Randi. Carl Sagan's Universe is a touching tribute to a man who left an immutable mark upon modern science. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Read after reading Sagan
This book seemed awkward at first, with its structure of lectures ranging from rambles with dim connections to Sagan through to near-hagiography barely sullied by informative content. Fortunately, these proved to be the extremes. It was saved by the range of provocative ideas, both current and historical, which emerge from the authors and implicitly from Sagan himself. Sagan's own talk in the book with a Q&A session recorded, displays both the kindliness and scientific curiousity of his public persona and the clean efficiency with which he deals with fuzzy thinking in a scientific arena. I think one of his directly-authored books is a better introduction to science and to his thinking but if you have read some of those and want to learn more about his range of thought, this book is worth the time.

Sagan's Last, But Not His Best....
Written in memory of Carl Sagan, this book is edited by his Chairman at Cornell, Dr. Yervant Terzian.It includes short articles by numerous authors, and shows the breadth of Sagan's interests.It also includes someof Carl Sagan's very last work.

For others who have read _Cosmos_, it isan update on Sagan's views about humanity, life and death.If you liked_Cosmos_, you will probably find this book interesting, as well. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Religion Bashing Gets Tiresome!
I really wish science authors would stick to science topics and stop bashing religion at every turn of the page. Okay, Gary, we get the message! You find religious doctrine repulsive. That's fine! But when I purchase a book entitled "Theories of the Universe," I expect to read about theories of the universe and not be insulted for my personal religious beliefs. Gary Moring seems to get "hung up" on Biblical concepts (and fails to inform the reader that some sacred religious writings knew certain "scientific facts" about the earth and the heavens before the advent of serious scientific invesigations). His presentations of the theories of the universe are very good, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way he presented the material. I gave the book only three stars out of five, however, precisely because of his religion bashing. It's okay to give a historical perspective on sixteenth and seventeeth century scientists, and to espouse how their religious views influenced their science; but, to belittle them and make light of their beliefs only demonstrates the author's intolerance of religion. I wonder what views Gary Moring would have espoused had he been born in the sixteenth century? I might remind the author that a not small number of scientists (some of the biggest names in science) who contributed the most toward scientific discoveries over the past three hundred years were very religious people. I truly tire of picking up a science book only to find more "religion" buried within its pages. And Gary Moring doesn't end his religious assaults with the first few chapters... it continues 'til the end of the book. In my opinion, the only thing it succeeds in accomplishing is turning off the reader to the author. If I can't trust the author to write about the topic emblazoned on the cover of the book, then I'm not going to spend my dollars on other books written by the same author. Case in point: I just discovered a title that caught my attention as a science reader. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Einstein." Another book by Gary Moring. I am reluctant to purchase it because I now know of the author's penchant for attacking religion.

This book covers everything! (and covers it well)
I'm a highschool student (I'm currently taking my first physics course) and I've really gotten into string theory and quantum mechanics......
I've TRIED reading all of these books by Steven Hawking and such, AND GOTTEN VERY VERY CONFUSED.
This book totally brought me out of my confusion.... it's got such great explanations of everything! It may not be very detailed compared to "A Brief History of Time" but atleast I can actually understand it.
Besides the string theory etc. stuff, I found the philosophy and theology very enlightening. This book brings everything together.

Gary Moring has done it again!
Following the success of his "Guide to Understanding Einstein", Gary Moring has demystified the myriad of universal constructs for us laypeople. He has a unique way of explaining and expanding all those concepts in physics that made your brain hurt the first time. His wit and wisdom is refreshing in tomes of this sort! A must read for all who seek to understand cosmology - and enjoy it in the process!

A great overview of Cosmology!!
The study of cosmology often falls only into the realm of science, but in this refreshing approach to the topic, the author provides the reader with an incredible array of different points of view. You not only get quantum mechanics and string theory, but also religious, philosophical and historical prespectives too. How it all started, where it's going and how it may all end are looked at from several avenues, giving the reader an insight into the broad area of topics that are all a part of cosmology. From ancient Mesopotamia to hidden dimensions and from alchemy to particle accelerators, this insightful book on cosmology introduced me to whole new level of thinking about my place in the universe. I highly recommend this fascinating look into the cosmos.

An unusual mixture of topics
This is a strange and unique book--very seldom does one encounter a book that discusses quantum theory and tarot cards with (apparently) equal seriousness! I mainly bought it for the material on quantum theory , and here the author does a fine job by presenting many analogies, most that I hadn't seen before, which were quite helpful. But perhaps due to what the author would classify as my Western, linear thinking, the plethora of material on non-Western and/or non-scientific approaches to "Theories of the Universe", left me generally cold. Though interesting at times, there was ultimately too much of this material for my taste. Readers with a different world view from mine will no doubt react differently. I will be keeping the book for its excellent material on quantum theory. ... Read more

Book Description

No modern astronomer made a more profound contribution to our understanding of the cosmos than did Edwin Hubble, who first conclusively demonstrated that the universe is expanding.Basing his theory on the observation of the change in distanct galaxies, called red shift, Hubble showed that this is a Doppler effect, or alteration in the wavelength of light, resulting from the rapid motion of celestial objects away from Earth.In 1935, Hubble described his principal observations and conclusions in the Silliman lectures at Yale University.These lectures were published the following year as "The Realm of the Nebulae," which quickly became a classic work. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good!
This book was amazing! It helped us so much with a project! WOOT! ... Read more

Book Description

In this provocative new book, radio astronomer and author Gerrit L. Verschuur describes the phenomena of scientific curiosity and discovery by following the exciting story of interstellar matter. The discovery of "stuff between the stars" was the result of decades of work by hundreds of astronomers, and the evolving recognition of its existence has profoundly changed the way we view the Universe. Verschuur begins with E.E. Barnard, who puzzled for a quarter century over the interpretation of photographs of dark patches between the stars. Verschuur then traces the tortuous path to acceptance of the existence of interstellar matter. He shares with us the thrill of discovery that motivates astronomers, the use of metaphors and modeling by scientist, and other tricks of the astronomical trade. Finally, we learn about the modern study of interstellar matter: the discovery of complex organic molecules between the stars and how they may have seeded the early earth with the precursors for life, new insights into star formation, the structure of the Milky Way and the elusive interstellar magnetic field. More than a history, Interstellar Matters is a detective story that evokes the excitement and serendipity of science against the background of a century of shared effort by the world community of astronomers. From the reviews: "I can't imagine anyone interested in astronomy who won't enjoy this book - it's chocked full of science, personalities and insights. We are products of the stuff between the stars - Verschuur tells the fascinating story of how its existence was discovered. Interstellar Matters is his best book, I think. It's certainly one of the best astronomy popularizations I've read." Leif J. Robinson, Sky and Teleskope#1 ... Read more

Reviews (1)

difficult observations
The subject is a very difficult one to get direct data on. By not being a star, it does not usually radiate. So evidence of it tended to be indirect. The book shows how it took decades for the idea to be accepted, in no small part because of the observational difficulties.

You can also get from the book a feeling of how progress is made in modern astronomy. A combination of inspiration and pushing the instruments to their limit. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great introduction to cosmology
The science of cosmology gives a quantitative foundation to our views about the universe. A Short History of the Universe explains in layman's terms and with excellent pictures how our theories of the structure of the universe have evolved, thus feeding the areas of philosophy and religion. What do we mean if we say that the universe has limits, but is also infinite? Why is it that the sun is considered to be halfway through its lifetime? How can the universe be expanding in every direction that we look when the earth is not at the center of the universe? These sorts of questions are answered--and answered well. If you have curiosity about how the heavens are studied, this book is definitely worth your time. ... Read more

Book Description

Dazzling images and clear explanations of the latest discoveries in space by NASA's preeminent artist.

What does "dark energy" look like? Or a black hole swallowing an entire solar system? Even our most powerful orbiting telescopes can't see these and many other phenomena that scientists now believe exist. But scientists do know what their theories tell them they should look like. NASA illustrator Dana Berry takes the reader by the hand for a visual tour of the "new" cosmos, outward bound from earth, through the solar system, to the farthest imaginable reaches of space. Drawing on his extraordinary access to NASA and its image bank, as well as Harvard's Chandra X-Ray Observatory, he presents incredible photographs and full-color illustrations of the most stunningly magnificent astronomical phenomena along with clear, up-to-date, and straightforward explanations of the latest space discoveries and theories, from the explosive origins of our own universe to the possible existence of countless others beyond it. 150 color illustrations. ... Read more

Book Description

This timely book is suitable for the general reader wishing to find answers to some of the intriguing questions now being asked about black holes.Although once recognized as the most destructive force in nature, following a cascade of astonishing discoveries, the opinion of supermassive black holes has undergone a dramatic shift.Astronomers are discovering that these objects may have been critical to the formation of structure in the early universe, spawning bursts of star formation, planets, and even life itself.Fulvio Melia is Associate Head of Physics and Professor of Astronomy at the University of Arizona.He is author of Electrodynamics (University of Chicago, 2001), and a forthcoming title, The Black Hole at the Center of Our Galaxy (Princeton). ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Darn good
O.k., so I didn't know what to expect, but I bought the book because I had heard that the 2005 Annual Issue of Astronomy magazine had chosen it as one of the best astronomy books of the year. I would have to agree with their choice. Melia introduces supermassive black holes in a novel fashion. Sure, we first came to know of their existence because of the weird behavior of some galaxies. But he shows how in the past few decades, they've come to represent a totally new and dominant category of objects throughout the universe. It now seems that many of them were here long before galaxies formed, and it looks like they were responsible for the formation of galaxies and structure in the universe. But the most amazing thing of all is what observational cosmology is now telling us. Is it true that the universe itself may be a giant black hole? Melia's book has the best discussion of this that I have yet seen. After reading this, I feel like I'm right on the edge of what astrophysicists know.

Great Show!
Last week I was fortunate to hear Prof. Melia speak on the subject of his two new books, this title, and "The Black Hole at the Center of Our Galaxy," and was so impressed I rushed out to get copies of both. I was not disappointed. Both books are very well written, and beautifully produced, with color images throughout. His style is similar to that with which he presented the subject at our amateur astronomy meeting---clear, lively, and thoughtful.
I am recommending these to all my friends and relatives. They're the best astronomy books I've read in years, and am looking forward to reading more from him in the years to come! ... Read more

Book Description

"Once upon a time there was no Universe," began the Storyteller. . . ."

First Snow White encounters one of the Little People, then one of the Even Smaller People, and finally one of the Truly Infinitesimal People. And no matter how diligently she searches, the only dwarves she can find are collapsed stars! Clearly, she's not at home in her well-known Brothers Grimm fairy tale, but instead in a strange new landscape that features quantum behavior, the wavelike properties of particles, and the Uncertainty Principle. She (and we) must have entered, in short, one of the worlds created by Robert Gilmore, the physicist and fabulist who brought us the classic "Alice in Quantumland."

Whether he's recasting such classic tales as "Jack and the Quarkstalk," "Waking Beauty," or "Cinderenda and the Death of Stars," Gilmore shows us that there's more than one way to shed light on the strange profundities of modern physics and cosmology, and what they have to tell us about the nature of time and space and motion. Black holes, dying stars, traveling backward through time to the Big Bang-they're all here in accessible, instructive, and charmingly illustrated retellings.

Robert Gilmore has published three previous books with Copernicus, "Alice in Quantumland," "Scrooge's Cryptic Carol," and "The Wizard of Quarks." He is a Visiting Research Fellow, with a special focus on the public understanding of science, at Bristol University in England. He has also worked in particle physics at Brookhaven, Stanford, and CERN in Geneva ... Read more