A prize-winning popular science writer uses mathematical modeling to explain the cosmos.
In Calculating the Cosmos, Ian Stewart presents an exhilarating guide to the cosmos, from our solar system to the entire universe. He describes the architecture of space and time, dark matter and dark energy, how galaxies form, why stars implode, how everything began, and how it's all going to end. He considers parallel universes, the fine-tuning of the cosmos for life, what forms extraterrestrial life might take, and the likelihood of life on Earth being snuffed out by an asteroid.
Beginning with the Babylonian integration of mathematics into the study of astronomy and cosmology, Stewart traces the evolution of our understanding of the cosmos: How Kepler's laws of planetary motion led Newton to formulate his theory of gravity. How, two centuries later, tiny irregularities in the motion of Mars inspired Einstein to devise his general theory of relativity. How, eighty years ago, the discovery that the universe is expanding led to the development of the Big Bang theory of its origins. How single-point origin and expansion led cosmologists to theorize new components of the universe, such as inflation, dark matter, and dark energy. But does inflation explain the structure of today's universe? Does dark matter actually exist? Could a scientific revolution that will challenge the long-held scientific orthodoxy and once again transform our understanding of the universe be on the way? In an exciting and engaging style, Calculating the Cosmos is a mathematical quest through the intricate realms of astronomy and cosmology.
ISBN-13: 9781541617254
Media Type: Paperback
Publisher: Basic Books
Publication Date: 05-15-2018
Pages: 352
Product Dimensions: 5.40(w) x 8.10(h) x 1.10(d)
Ian Stewart is emeritus professor of mathematics at the University of Warwick. His recent books include Calculating the Cosmos, Significant Figures, In Pursuit of the Unknown, and Professor Stewart's Hoard of Mathematical Treasures. He is a fellow of the Royal Society. He lives in Coventry, UK.
Table of Contents
Prologue 1
1 Attraction at a Distance 11
2 Collapse of the Solar Nebula 27
3 Inconstant Moon 40
4 The Clockwork Cosmos 54
5 Celestial Police 70
6 The Planet that Swallowed its Children 84
7 Cosimo's Stars 96
8 Off on a Comet 106
9 Chaos in the Cosmos 119
10 The Interplanetary Superhighway 137
11 Great Balls of Fire 150
12 Great Sky River 172
13 Alien Worlds 187
14 Dark Stars 207
15 Skeins and Voids 226
16 The Cosmic Egg 241
17 The Big Blow-Up 251
18 The Dark Side 262
19 Outside the Universe 277
Epilogue 295
Units and Jargon 299
Notes and References 304
Picture Credits 321
Index 323
Show More
