Facts and Speculations in Cosmology
Facts and Speculations in Cosmology
Geoffrey Burbidge, University of California, San Diego
A thought-provoking insight into the evolution of cosmology for undergraduate students and general readers, this book shows that the mystery of the origin of the universe is far from being solved. Cosmology has advanced over time through observational evidence as well as a lot of speculation. In this historical approach, the authors argue that the speculative element has become a dominant part of modern cosmology. They show how assumptions have been made and portrayed as confirmed facts. This unique book gives not only a critical assessment of the big bang theory, but presents a host of anomalous observations, and puts forward an alternative, controversial theory on the origin of the universe. A non-mathematical account, it contains analogies from everyday life so that readers can understand the concepts easily and follow the arguments presented.
- A unique assessment of the big bang theory
- Puts forward an alternative, controversial theory on the origin of the universe
- A non-mathematical account, so readers can easily understand the concepts and arguments presented
Reviews & endorsements
'… a comprehensive romp through the basics of cosmology from ancient cosmologies via stellar evolution, nuclear synthesis and the observed expanding Universe to details of the standard Big Bang Theory.' The Observatory
'There is an excellent discussion of the Day of Brahma and other interesting stories. In short, [the authors] point out the way that current ideas in cosmology are modified is not too far from some of the perturbation seen in mythology. This is a rather thought-provoking book which is aimed at general readers who have an interest in the origin of the Universe.' Federation of Astronomical Societies Newsletter
Product details
No date availableHardback
9780521865043
296 pages
253 × 178 × 14 mm
0.73kg
150 b/w illus.
Related links
Table of Contents
- 1. Ancient cosmologies
- 2. The Greek epicycles
- 3. Reaching out to the milky way
- 4. Our position in the galaxy
- 5. The world of galaxies
- 6. The expanding universe
- 7. Modelling the universe
- 8. What is the geometry of the universe like?
- 9. A universe without a beginning and without an end
- 10. The cosmological debate 1950-1965
- 11. The origin of the chemical elements
- 12. Cosmic microwave background
- 13. The very early universe
- 14. Dark matter and dark energy
- 15. An alternative cosmology
- 16. Unfaced challenges in cosmology
- 17. Epilogue.
