Calculating the Cosmos: How Mathematics Unveils the Universe - Softcover

Stewart, Professor Ian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1781254338 ISBN 13: 9781781254332

Publisher: Profile Books Ltd, 2017

Synopsis

Ian Stewart's up-to-the-minute guide to the cosmos moves from the formation of the Earth and its Moon to the planets and asteroids of the solar system and from there out into the galaxy and the 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 will end. He considers parallel universes, what forms extra-terrestrial life might take, and the likelihood of Earth being hit by an asteroid.
Mathematics, Professor Stewart shows, has been the driving force in astronomy and cosmology since the ancient Babylonians. He describes how Kepler's work on planetary orbits led Newton to formulate his theory of gravity, and how two centuries later irregularities in the motion of Mars inspired Einstein's theory of general relativity. In crystal-clear terms he explains the fundamentals of gravity, spacetime, relativity and quantum theory, and shows how they all relate to each other. Eighty years ago the discovery that the universe is expanding led to the Big Bang theory of its origins. This in turn led cosmologists to posit features such as dark matter and dark energy. But does dark matter exist? Could another scientific revolution be on the way to challenge current scientific orthodoxy? These are among the questions Ian Stewart raises in his quest through the 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: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1781254338
• ISBN 13: 9781781254332
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 352