Facts and Speculations in Cosmology
Facts and Speculations in Cosmology
Geoffrey Burbidge, University of California, San Diego
$84.00
USDA 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
"Too few scientists take pains to what emphasize what we actually know and what's speculation, which is why this book is so refreshing. Mainstream cosmologists maintain that the standard picture is supported by interconnected observations and it is not time for a radical alternative like Narlikar and Burbidge's 'quasi-steady state theory'. But these are certainly interesting times, and they are perfectly expounded in this comprehensive book." Rated 5 out of 5 stars and named book of the month in January 2009 - Marcus Chown, BBC Sky at Night
"Highly Recommended. General readers, all undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals." - B.R. Parker, emeritus, Idaho State University
Product details
July 2008Hardback
9780521865043
296 pages
253 × 178 × 14 mm
0.73kg
150 b/w illus.
Out of stock in print form with no current plan to reprint
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.
