Short description
Did the Big Bang really happen? Is space infinite? When did time begin? In this superb new book (San Francisco Chronicle), acclaimed science writer Richard Morris probes a host of far-reaching questions about the fundamental nature of the universe.
Long description
Did the Big Bang really happen? Is space infinite? When did time begin? In this superb new book (San Francisco Chronicle), acclaimed science writer Richard Morris probes a host of far-reaching questions about the fundamental nature of the universe. The result is a masterful exploration of the newest discoveries and theories in the field of cosmology-the study of the origin, structure, and evolution of the universe. With dramatic flair and enthusiasm, he introduces us to the intriguing world of cosmic strings and quark nuggets, shadow matter and imaginary time. He brings emerging theoretical concepts into clear focus, offering keen insight into science's most puzzling riddles, the very questions that have challenged and confounded humankind through the ages. Featuring a thorough explanation of the breakthrough voyage of NASA's Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE) and its effects on the Big Bang theory, this remarkable book is a fascinating journey along the cutting edge of cosmological discovery. Praise for Richard Morris... Mr. Morris's genius is an ability to reveal the wonderful. --Kansas City Star Morris does a clearer job explaining Hawking than Hawking did. --Library Journal
Review
From physicist and science writer Morris (The Edges of Science, 1990, etc.): a nontechnical introduction to recent developments in cosmology. Morris designs his primer around ten Big Questions: When did time begin? Why do we exist?, etc. The answers touch on just about every arcane cosmological idea afloat - for example, the existence of shadow matter that can neither be seen nor felt but may fill the cosmos, or of virtual particles that emerge from nothingness for a smidgeon of existence. Morris enthusiastically affirms the Big Bang, calling recent COBE satellite results like seeing God's fingerprints. On other disputes he's less firm, content to sift the evidence on such issues as whether the universe will expand forever or collapse upon itself. Dark matter, primordial black holes, superstring theory, time's reversibility, and weak and strong anthropic principles also come under discussion, leading on occasion to dismaying predictions ( the universe will eventually become something cold and dark, with practically no sources of energy left ). Morris enjoys toying with weird ideas like time travel, but his viewpoint remains orthodox. Scientists are intrepid explorers who have a habit of questioning everything - no hint here of science as a culturally based activity; as for relations between science and religion, the dicey question that Morris tackles last, his conclusion dashes hopes of detente: The latest discoveries have not brought science and religion closer together, and they are not likely to do so. Okay science popularizing - but nearly indistinguishable from dozens of other books on the subject. (Kirkus Reviews)
Table of contents
- Did the Big Bang Really Happen? Is Space Infinite? When Did Time Begin? How Will the Universe End? What Is the Universe Made of? Where Did the Galaxies Come From? What Is Nothingness Like? What Is Time? Why Do We Exist? Knowing the Mind of God. Glossary. Index.