The Nature of the Universe

Fülszöveg

Clive Kilmister The Nature of the Universe with 150 illustrations including 19 in full colour Cover illustration: Parkes radio-telescope UK L1.25 AUS $3.70 NZ $3.40 SA R2.70 Cosmology-science's attempt to picture the astronom|- universe as a self-consistent physical system-is currefe in ferment. Ever since Edwin Hubble's astounding covery in 1924 that the vast Milky Way system to which our sun belongs is only another stellar galaxy among many millions, the astronomical evidence upon which cosmology depends has become increasingly bizarre. Can one explain the recently discovered quasars (distant star-like objects as brilliant as entire galaxies) as objects thrown from exploding nebulae? Are pulsars (stars that emit great bursts of radio energy with clockwork regularity) rapidly rotating neutron stars, so dense that a thimbleful of their matter would weigh more than ten millión tons? Could a star collapse into a 'black hole in space, leaving no trace other than an intensely strong... Tovább

Fülszöveg

Clive Kilmister The Nature of the Universe with 150 illustrations including 19 in full colour Cover illustration: Parkes radio-telescope UK L1.25 AUS $3.70 NZ $3.40 SA R2.70 Cosmology-science's attempt to picture the astronom|- universe as a self-consistent physical system-is currefe in ferment. Ever since Edwin Hubble's astounding covery in 1924 that the vast Milky Way system to which our sun belongs is only another stellar galaxy among many millions, the astronomical evidence upon which cosmology depends has become increasingly bizarre. Can one explain the recently discovered quasars (distant star-like objects as brilliant as entire galaxies) as objects thrown from exploding nebulae? Are pulsars (stars that emit great bursts of radio energy with clockwork regularity) rapidly rotating neutron stars, so dense that a thimbleful of their matter would weigh more than ten millión tons? Could a star collapse into a 'black hole in space, leaving no trace other than an intensely strong gravitational field? These are somé of the more perplexing questions now facing cosmologists. How such questions relate to modern theories of the universe is the main theme of this book. The author prepares the ground for his central discussion with a historical survey of relevant scientific developments from earliest times, and concludes with somé thoughts on the intractable problem of reconciling the worlds of the astronomer and nuclear physicist in a single comprehensive theory. Clive Kilmister is Professor of Mathematics at King's College, University of London. This series aims to present readable, up-to-date surveys of the prevailing ideas, major technological achievements and future expectations of scientists active in various fields of investigation. The texts, written by specialists, are designed to interest the generál reader as well as the university student reading outside his own field. 'Reasonably priced, authoritatively written, superbly illustrated volumes', The Times Educational Supp/ement The World of Science Library General Editor: Robin Clarké Each book is fully illustrated, with photographs in colour and black and white, and with line drawings, many of which are in colour. Each alsó contains a glossary, a bibliography and an index. Other books in this series: The Evolution pf Man Dávid Pilbeam The Living Cell Olivér Gillie Man and the Atom: The Uses of Nuclear Energy Frank Barnaby Physics of the Earth T. F. Gaskell Planets and Life P. H. A. Sneath Sex and Fertility Clive Wood In preparation: The Nature of Matter Ottó Frisch The Computer Revolution Nigel Hawkes Brain Mechanismsand Mind Keith Oatley The Origins of Life Cyril Ponnamperuma The Future of Transport Bili Gunston Vissza