The Discovery of Cosmic Voids

The Discovery of Cosmic Voids PDF Author: Laird A. Thompson
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1108858481
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 296

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Book Description
The large-scale structure of the Universe is dominated by vast voids with galaxies clustered in knots, sheets, and filaments, forming a great 'cosmic web'. In this personal account of the major astronomical developments leading to this discovery, we learn from Laird A. Thompson, a key protagonist, how the first 3D maps of galaxies were created. Using non-mathematical language, he introduces the standard model of cosmology before explaining how and why ideas about cosmic voids evolved, referencing the original maps, reproduced here. His account tells of the competing teams of observers, racing to publish their results, the theorists trying to build or update their models to explain them, and the subsequent large-scale survey efforts that continue to the present day. This is a well-documented account of the birth of a major pillar of modern cosmology, and a useful case study of the trials surrounding how this scientific discovery became accepted.

The Discovery of Cosmic Voids

The Discovery of Cosmic Voids PDF Author: Laird A. Thompson
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1108858481
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 296

Get Book

Book Description
The large-scale structure of the Universe is dominated by vast voids with galaxies clustered in knots, sheets, and filaments, forming a great 'cosmic web'. In this personal account of the major astronomical developments leading to this discovery, we learn from Laird A. Thompson, a key protagonist, how the first 3D maps of galaxies were created. Using non-mathematical language, he introduces the standard model of cosmology before explaining how and why ideas about cosmic voids evolved, referencing the original maps, reproduced here. His account tells of the competing teams of observers, racing to publish their results, the theorists trying to build or update their models to explain them, and the subsequent large-scale survey efforts that continue to the present day. This is a well-documented account of the birth of a major pillar of modern cosmology, and a useful case study of the trials surrounding how this scientific discovery became accepted.

Bubbles, Voids and Bumps in Time

Bubbles, Voids and Bumps in Time PDF Author: James Cornell
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9780521426732
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 208

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Book Description
In this volume, six leading cosmologists provide a current 'state of the universe' report, examining what we know about the universe, and what pieces are still missing from the cosmic puzzle.

Cosmology

Cosmology PDF Author: Daniel Baumann
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1108952275
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 486

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Book Description
The author – a leading theoretical cosmologist – expands on his widely acclaimed lecture notes in this self-contained textbook, suitable for the advanced undergraduate or starting graduate level. Presenting the key theoretical foundations of cosmology and describing the observations that have turned the subject into a precision science, the author keeps the student in mind on every page by explaining concepts step-by-step, in an approachable manner. After describing the dynamics of the homogeneous universe, the book traces the evolution of small density fluctuations, which were created quantum-mechanically during inflation and are today observed in the cosmic microwave background and the large-scale structure of the universe. The book is ideally suited as a course companion or for self-study. With all necessary background material covered, students have everything they need to establish an unrivalled understanding of the subject. Complete with many worked examples, figures, and homework problems, this textbook is a definitive resource for advanced students in physics, astronomy and applied mathematics.

Introduction to Cosmology

Introduction to Cosmology PDF Author: Barbara Ryden
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1107154839
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 277

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Book Description
A substantial update of this award-winning and highly regarded cosmology textbook, for advanced undergraduates in physics and astronomy.

Cosmic Discovery

Cosmic Discovery PDF Author: Martin Harwit
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1108722040
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 375

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Book Description
The search -- Discoveries -- Observation -- Detection, recognition, and classification of cosmic phenomena -- The fringes of legitimacy : the need for enlightened planning.

Wrinkles in Time

Wrinkles in Time PDF Author: George Smoot
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 0061344443
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 354

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Book Description
Astrophysicist George Smoot spent decades pursuing the origin of the cosmos, "the holy grail of science," a relentless hunt that led him from the rain forests of Brazil to the frozen wastes of Antarctica. In his search he struggled against time, the elements, and the forces of ignorance and bureaucratic insanity. Finally, after years of research, Smoot and his dedicated team of Berkeley researchers succeeded in proving the unprovable—uncovering, inarguably and for all time, the secrets of the creation of the universe. Wrinkles in Time describes this startling discovery that would usher in a new scientific age—and win Smoot the Nobel Prize in Physics.

The Cosmic Web

The Cosmic Web PDF Author: J. Richard Gott
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691181179
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 272

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Book Description
Semi-autobiographical discussion of astronomy and astronomers, and history of astronomy and cosmology.--

Finding Our Place in the Universe

Finding Our Place in the Universe PDF Author: Helene Courtois
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262353393
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 181

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Book Description
How a team of researchers, led by the author, discovered our home galaxy's location in the universe. You are here: on Earth, which is part of the solar system, which is in the Milky Way galaxy, which itself is within the extragalactic supercluster Laniakea. And how can we pinpoint our location so precisely? For twenty years, astrophysicist Hélène Courtois surfed the cosmos with international teams of researchers, working to map our local universe. In this book, Courtois describes this quest and the discovery of our home supercluster. Courtois explains that Laniakea (which means “immense heaven” in Hawaiian) is the largest galaxy structure known to which we belong; it is huge, almost too large to comprehend—about five hundred million light-years in diameter. It contains about 100,000 large galaxies like our own, and a million smaller ones. Writing accessibly for nonspecialists, Courtois describes the visualization and analysis that allowed her team to map such large structures of the universe. She highlights the work of individual researchers, including portraits of several exceptional women astrophysicists—presenting another side of astronomy. Key ideas are highlighted in text insets; illustrations accompany the main text. The French edition of this book was named the Best Astronomy Book of 2017 by the astronomy magazine Ciel et espace. For this MIT Press English-language edition, Courtois has added descriptions of discoveries made after Laniakea: the cosmic velocity web and the Dipole and Cold Spot repellers. An engaging account of one of the most important discoveries in astrophysics in recent years, her story is a tribute to teamwork and international collaboration.

Giving the Devil His Due

Giving the Devil His Due PDF Author: Michael Shermer
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1108489788
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 369

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Book Description
Explores how free speech and open inquiry are integral to science, politics, and society for the survival and progress of our species.

Cosmic Enigmas

Cosmic Enigmas PDF Author: Joseph I. Silk
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9781563960611
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 240

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Book Description
"The dominant figures of postwar astrophysical cosmology have been the late Yakov Ze'ldovich, of Moscow, and Jim Peebles, of Princeton. But running a close third in influence has been Joseph Silk.... This collection is essential reading for the cosmological enthusiast." Nature These essays represent Joseph Silk's own meandering around cosmic themes. The topics span the beginning of time until its end and encompass the enigma of the evolution of large-scale structure, culminating in the formation of the galaxies. Dr. Silk has taken these writings from pieces written over the years, many commissioned to highlight a new look at a new discovery in cosmology. Some have been rewritten to capture a modern perspective while others remain as written to encapsulate his thoughts of a decade ago.