Our Evolving Universe
Out of Print
Our Evolving Universe is a lucid, non-technical and infectiously enthusiastic introduction to current astronomy and cosmology. Highly illustrated throughout with the latest colour images from the world's most advanced telescopes, it also provides a colourful view of our Universe. Malcolm Longair takes us on a breathtaking tour of the most dramatic recent results astronomers have on the birth of stars, the hunt for black holes and dark matter, on gravitational lensing and the latest tests of the Big Bang. He leads the reader right up to understand the key questions that future research in astronomy and cosmology must answer. A clear and comprehensive glossary of technical terms is also provided. For the general reader, student or professional wishing to understand the key questions today's astronomers and cosmologists are trying to answer, this is an invaluable and inspiring read.
- A complete overview of current understanding of astronomy and cosmology, and the key questions future research must answer
- Highly illustrated with the most up-to-date colour images from the world's most advanced telescopes, right across the spectrum
- Longair is internationally renowned for his teaching in physics, and research in astronomy
- Includes images from the Hubble Space Telescope, the COBE satellite, and the Compton Gamma-ray Observatory
- A clear and comprehensive glossary of technical terms is provided
Reviews & endorsements
'There are plenty of good astronomy books around, but this is one of the precious few to introduce astrophysics. I'll not give away any of the other pleasures in this delightful book. Our Evolving Universe is not only an intimate introduction to the most exotic and mysterious denizens of the Universe, but a thoughtful guide to the physics behind the appearances.' Nigel Henbest, New Scientist
'Amongst the myriad of books on astrophysics and cosmology this one stands out as a first-rate account of all aspects of the cosmological puzzle … The text is lavishly illustrated with colour photographs and clear diagrams. I would thoroughly recommend this to A-level students doing astrophysics or cosmology courses.' Okan Avni, School Science Review
'Longair has written a wonderful book, which I urge anyone interested in astronomy and cosmology to read from cover to cover.' D. W. Sciama, The Times Higher Education Supplement
'Longair has done an excellent job in bringing out the excitement of stellar evolution, the nature of quasars, the formation and evolution of galaxies and the grand questions of cosmology.' Astronomy Now
'The book is well-produced and beautifully illustrated with relevant images, high quality artworks and crisp, clear line diagrams … a model of clarity and logical progression.' Iain Nicolson, Journal of the British Astronomical Association
'… a beautifully produced book, in an oversize format, with an elegant typographical design, clear diagrams and many colour illustrations … the text is unflinchingly direct and accurate … Its content is that of a first-rate introductory course, while its clean format … makes it a delight to hold.' William Press, Nature
'If I were a good first-year physics undergraduate, I'd run out and buy this book, impelled by the author's enthusiasm … This book would be an excellent choice for anyone who has a qualitative understanding of basic physics and wants an introduction to recent developments in astronomy.' Physics World
'Our Evolving Universe is the Longair lecturing technique poured into a stylish and well-produced book … Longair's focus on the fundamental problems still confronting us is engaging, honest, and might set off some new thoughts and connections in fresh young minds.' Heather Couper, The Observatory
Product details
March 1996Hardback
9780521550918
208 pages
284 × 247 × 22 mm
1.157kg
73 b/w illus. 42 colour illus. 1 table
Unavailable - out of print January 2003
Table of Contents
- Preface
- 1. The grand design
- 2. The birth of the stars and the great cosmic cycle
- 3. The origin of quasars
- 4. The origin of galaxies
- 5. The origin of the Universe
- Further reading
- Picture acknowledgments
- Glossary
- Astronomical units
- Index.
