THE UNIVERSE EXPLAINED

Delia Perlov; Alex Vilenkin

Cosmology for the Curious [Illustrated Introduction to Modern Cosmology]

Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2017.
FROM THE BIG BANG TO DARK ENERGY, A GUIDE TO THE UNIVERSE WRITTEN FOR THE CURIOUS MIND.

Modern cosmology addresses some of humanity's oldest questions: How did the universe begin? What is it made of? How did galaxies form? And how might it end? Written by physicists Delia Perlov and Alex Vilenkin, Cosmology for the Curious presents these profound subjects in an accessible and engaging manner, translating the discoveries of contemporary cosmology into language understandable to interested readers without advanced scientific training.

Based on an undergraduate course taught by Alex Vilenkin, the book explores the Big Bang, cosmic inflation, dark matter, dark energy, black holes, galaxy formation, and the large-scale structure of the universe. Mathematical requirements are intentionally modest, with necessary concepts introduced as needed. Richly illustrated throughout, the volume combines clear explanations with visual examples, review questions, and exercises that encourage readers to engage directly with the material.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Publisher's illustrated laminated boards; issued without dust jacket. Octavo; 9.25 inches tall. 272 pages including appendices and index. Fully illustrated with diagrams, charts, photographs, and explanatory figures, some in color. Part of Springer's Undergraduate Lecture Notes in Physics series.

CONDITION: Fine. No flaws or blemishes; gift quality. Issued without dust jacket.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE —
By the early twenty-first century, cosmology had evolved from a largely theoretical discipline into a precision science supported by satellite observations, deep-sky surveys, and detailed measurements of the cosmic microwave background. Cosmology for the Curious presents this modern understanding of the universe in an accessible yet rigorous manner, introducing readers to the expanding universe, cosmic inflation, dark matter, dark energy, and the evidence that supports contemporary cosmological theory. 

Particularly noteworthy is the discussion of inflation, one of the most influential developments in modern cosmology, presented by Alex Vilenkin, a leading contributor to the field. Rather than treating astronomy as a collection of isolated facts, the authors illustrate how cosmologists develop and test theories about the origin, evolution, and ultimate fate of the universe.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS —
Alex Vilenkin is a theoretical physicist internationally recognized for his work on cosmology, cosmic inflation, and the early universe. A longtime professor at Tufts University, he has authored numerous influential scientific papers and books on modern cosmology. Delia Perlov is a physicist and educator whose work focuses on communicating complex scientific ideas to wider audiences. Together they created a text that bridges the gap between introductory popular science and university-level study.

SUBJECTS: Cosmology; Big Bang Theory; Cosmic Inflation; Dark Matter; Dark Energy; Astrophysics; Astronomy; Alex Vilenkin; Physics Education; Popular Science, Astronomy; Cosmology; Popular Science; Physics; Science Education, Astronomy; Cosmology; Popular Science; Physics; Science Education.

Item #22058

Price: $45.00