Ancient Light
Our Changing View of the Universe
Published on 1. January 1993
Book
Paperback/Softback
184 pages
978-0-674-03363-4 (ISBN)
Description
MIT astrophysicist and science writer, Alan Lightman takes the reader on a grand tour of the Universe. In this compact volume he explores the history of cosmology, the theories and the evidence, the new discoveries, the outstanding questions, and the controversies.
Reviews / Votes
A short, understandable account of our changing view of the universe and of the scientists who are behind that change...Lightman has done a good job of telling the story of an exciting science. -- William Kolata New York Times Book Review Alan Lightman seeks to mediate between the worlds of modern cosmology and ordinary perception outside its strange precincts--explaining its major theories in simplified terms, introducing its cast...One senses in Ancient Light Alan Lightman's respect for the tiny wondering human mind, whatever its ability to grasp the conundrums of modern cosmology. -- David Mehegan Boston Sunday Globe Lyrical...With its reliance on plain English, metaphor, and creative analogy, Ancient Light brings cosmic abstractions down to Earth with nary a jolt. This little book is a must-read for anyone whose gaze extends beyond his or her own world into the one we--and our ancestors--share. -- Thea Singer Boston Phoenix Literary Section A charming, lucid, and accessible book that is the epitome of good popular science. I have read no finer introduction to cosmology. -- David Hughes New ScientistMore details
Edition
New edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge, Mass
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Edition type
New edition
Illustrations
40 halftones, 22 line illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 155 mm
Weight
304 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-674-03363-4 (9780674033634)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Alan Lightman is Professor of Science and Writing and Senior Lecturer in Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is also a Research Scientist at the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
Content
Cosmic Questions Early Cosmologies The Birth of Modern Cosmology The Big Bang Model Other Cosmological Models Difficulties with the Big Bang Model Large-Scale Structure and Dark Matter Instruments and Technology Initial Conditions and Quantum Cosmology Particle Physics, the New Cosmology, and the Inflationary Universe Model The Anthropic Principle At Home Notes Glossary Acknowledgments Illustration Credits Index