Genesis of the Big Bang

Ralph A. Alpher, Robert Herman

ISBN 10: 0195111826 / ISBN 13: 9780195111828

Published by Oxford University Press Inc, US, 2001

About this Item

The authors of this volume have been intimately connected with the conception of the Big Bang model since 1947. Following the late George Gamov's ideas in 1942 and more particularly in 1946 that the early universe was an appropriate site for the synthesis of the elements, they became deeply involved in the question of cosmic nucleosynthesis and particularly the synthesis of the light elements. In the course of this work they developed a general relativistic model of the expanding universe with physics folded in, which led in a progressive, logical sequence to our prediction of the existence of a present cosmic background radiation some seventeen years before the observation of such radiation was reported by Penzias and Wilson. In addition, they carried out with James W. Follin, Jr., a detailed study of the physics of what was then considered to be the very early universe, starting a few seconds after the Big Bang, which still provides a methodology for studies of light element nucleosynthesis. Because of their involvement, they bring a personal perspective to the subject. They present a picture of what is now believed to be the state of knowledge about the evolution of the expanding universe and delineate the story of the development of the Big Bang model as they have seen and lived it from their own unique vantage point.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780195111828

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Genesis of the Big Bang
• Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc, US
• Publication Date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195111826
• ISBN 13: 9780195111828
• Binding: Hardback
• Edition: Illustrated.
• Condition: New
• Dimensions: 23.39W x 1.42H x 15.6D centimeters 23.39 centimeters width by 1.42 centimeters height by 15.6 centimeters depth
• Weight: 499 grams

About this title

Synopsis

The authors of this volume have been intimately connected with the conception of the Big Bang model since 1947. Following the late George Gamow's ideas in 1942 and more particularly in 1946 that the early universe was an appropriate site for the synthesis of the elements, they became deeply involved in the question of cosmic nucleosynthesis and particularly the synthesis of the light elements. In the course of this work they developed a general relativistic model of the expanding universe with physics folded in, which led in a progressive, logical sequence to our prediction of the existence of a present cosmic background radiation some seventeen years before the observation of such radiation was reported by Penzias and Wilson. In addition, they carried out with James W. Follin, Jr., a detailed study of the physics of what was then considered to be the very early universe, starting a few seconds after the Big Bang, which still provides a methodology for studies of light element nucleosynthesis. Because of their involvement, they bring a personal perspective to the subject. They present a picture of what is now believed to be the state of knowledge about the evolution of the expanding universe and delineate the story of the development of the Big Bang model as they have seen and lived it from their own unique vantage point.

About the Author

Ralph A. Alpher, Distinguished Professor of Physics, Union College. Robert Herman, Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Texas, Austin (Emeritus).