Space Oddities
The Mysterious Anomalies Challenging Our Understanding Of The Universe
Published on 30. January 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
288 pages
978-1-5290-9288-2 (ISBN)
Description
'A cracking tale of particle physics and cosmology . . . Space Oddities is a rare joy' - New Scientist
'Engaging' - The Wall Street Journal
Newly observed anomalies could transform our understanding of the fundamentals of physics - and of the nature of reality. In this eye-opening account, CERN experimental physicist Harry Cliff takes the reader on a tour of a new universe . . .
Something strange is going on in the cosmos. Scientists are uncovering a catalogue of weird phenomena that simply can't be explained by our long-established theories of the universe. Particles with unbelievable energies are bursting from beneath the Antarctic ice. Unknown forces seem to be tugging on the basic building blocks of matter. Stars are flying away from us far faster than anyone can explain.
In Space Oddities, Harry Cliff provides a riveting look at the universe's most confounding puzzles. In a journey that spans continents, he meets the scientists hunting for answers, and asks: Are these anomalies mere accidents of measurement, or could they be pointing us toward vast, hidden worlds?
With wonder, clarity, and a dose of humour, Cliff leads us on a a mind-expanding investigation of physics and cosmology as they transform before us.
'As fascinating as its title suggests . . . Cliff recounts with vivid clarity the stories of some of the most striking oddnesses that have lit up the landscape of modern physics.' - Philip Pullman
'Engaging' - The Wall Street Journal
Newly observed anomalies could transform our understanding of the fundamentals of physics - and of the nature of reality. In this eye-opening account, CERN experimental physicist Harry Cliff takes the reader on a tour of a new universe . . .
Something strange is going on in the cosmos. Scientists are uncovering a catalogue of weird phenomena that simply can't be explained by our long-established theories of the universe. Particles with unbelievable energies are bursting from beneath the Antarctic ice. Unknown forces seem to be tugging on the basic building blocks of matter. Stars are flying away from us far faster than anyone can explain.
In Space Oddities, Harry Cliff provides a riveting look at the universe's most confounding puzzles. In a journey that spans continents, he meets the scientists hunting for answers, and asks: Are these anomalies mere accidents of measurement, or could they be pointing us toward vast, hidden worlds?
With wonder, clarity, and a dose of humour, Cliff leads us on a a mind-expanding investigation of physics and cosmology as they transform before us.
'As fascinating as its title suggests . . . Cliff recounts with vivid clarity the stories of some of the most striking oddnesses that have lit up the landscape of modern physics.' - Philip Pullman
Reviews / Votes
A cracking tale of particle physics and cosmology . . . Space Oddities is a rare joy - enlightening, thrilling and inspiring * New Scientist * Cliff is an engaging writer, with a keen ear for the fun metaphor and an observant eye when describing the scientific milieu in which he operates. His book provides the reader with a firsthand look at the challenges he and his colleagues face * The Wall Street Journal * Communicates the excitement of doing science and weaves in lots of interesting physics -- Marcus Chown, <i>Prospect</i> Cliff's engaging and personable writing style, along with his infectious enthusiasm, follows in the best traditions of Feynman and Sagan -- <b>Jim Al-Khalili</b> Space Oddities is as fascinating as its title suggests. Anomalies are always interesting, sometimes fascinating, and occasionally revelatory, and Harry Cliff recounts with vivid clarity the stories of some of the most striking oddnesses that have lit up the landscape of modern physics. I enjoyed it enormously -- <b>Philip Pullman</b> Superb . . . Cliff's lucid explanations do a remarkable job of making the complicated physics accessible and even exciting . . . A first-rate dispatch from the cutting edge of physics * Publishers Weekly, starred review * Cliff's optimism, light sense of humour, and enthusiasm for his subject shine through . . . An authoritative investigation of emerging scientific problems * Kirkus Reviews * Cliff converts complex physics into eminently readable popular science * Booklist * Fascinating . . . Geared toward curious lay readers willing to be challenged with mind-bending scientific puzzles . . . clear explanations, a sprinkling of humou, and a dash of poetry * Library Journal *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Pan Macmillan
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Interest Age: From 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 191 mm
Width: 131 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
206 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5290-9288-2 (9781529092882)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
03/2024
Picador
€15.99
Available for download
Person
Harry Cliff is a particle physicist based at the University of Cambridge, and carries out research with the LHCb experiment at CERN's Large Hadron Collider. His 2015 TED talk 'Have We Reached the End of Physics?' has been viewed nearly 3 million times. He is the author of How to Make an Apple Pie from Scratch.