Calculating the Cosmos: How Mathematics Unveils the Universe - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1781254311 ISBN 13: 9781781254318

Publisher: Profile Books LTD, 2016

Synopsis

In Calculating the Cosmos, Ian Stewart presents an exhilarating guide to the cosmos, from the solar system to the Galaxy and 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 and what forms this might take, and the likelihood of life on Earth being snuffed out by an asteroid.

Mathematics has been the driving force in astronomy and cosmology since the ancient Babylonians. Stewart describes how Kepler’s work on the orbits of the planets led Newton to formulate his theory of gravity, and how two centuries later tiny irregularities in the motion of Mars inspired Einstein to devise his theory of General Relativity. He explains the fundamentals of gravity, space-time, relativity and quantum theory, and how they all relate to each other. Eighty years ago, the discovery of the universe expanding led to the Big Bang theory of its origins. This in turn led cosmologists to add new features, 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 be on the way, which will challenge the long-held scientific orthodoxy and once again transform our understanding of the universe? In an exciting and engaging style, Calculating the Cosmos is a mathematical quest through the intricate realms of astronomy and cosmology.

About this title

About the Author

Ian Stewart was a professor of mathematics at the University of Warwick. The author of numerous books on math, he has written for New Scientist, Discover, Scientific American, and many other publications in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Review

"[Stewart] shows that he is not only a polymath in the sense that he is a master of all fields of mathematics, but also in his comprehension of physics, astronomy, and cosmology...[In Calculating the Cosmos] he effectively shows that time and technology will evolve ever better calculations of the cosmos."―Kirkus Reviews

"In Calculating the Cosmos Ian Stewart elegantly reviews the uncanny effectiveness of mathematics in explaining the universe.... Mr. Stewart beautifully describes how Newton's laws can still produce surprising results."―Wall Street Journal

"Ian Stewart covers the long story of our beloved cosmos wearing mathematical glasses, and we can only be thankful that he has been our guide in this journey."―Marco Moriconi, NYTimes.com

"A fascinating tour, seamlessly spliced and historically contextualized."―Nature

"Stewart's wry sense of humor adds to this informative yet entertaining read.... Highly recommended for science readers who are up for a challenge."―Library Journal

"Like most of Stewart's books, this one has much to recommend it."―Mark Hunacek, MAA Reviews

"In his accessible and engaging style, Stewart uses math to describe the architecture of space and time; dark matter and dark energy; how galaxies, stars, and planets form; why stars implode; how everything began; and how it's all going to end."―Publishers Weekly, Fall Announcements

"In Calculating the Cosmos, Ian Stewart offers readers a marvelous, behind-the-scenes look, from a mathematician's perspective, at how science is able to perform its magic. With compelling, crystal-clear prose, laced with delightful analogies, Stewart brings the calculations behind astronomy and other scientific fields to life. With Stewart's excellent guide to the cosmos in hand, everything does compute--splendidly adding up to a fun, fascinating read."―Paul Halpern, author of Einstein's Dice and Schrödinger's Cat

Edition details

• Publisher: Profile Books LTD
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1781254311
• ISBN 13: 9781781254318
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 346