9780198527473
Written by: Rowan Robinson, Mich
Published by: Clarendon Press
Written by: Rowan-Robinson, Michael
Subject: Physics
Subject: Cosmology
Subject: Astronomy | Cosmology
Copyright: 2004
Edition Number: 4
Edition Description: Fourth
Date of Publication: March 2004
Cover Type: Paperback
Grade Level: Professional and scholarly
Written in: English
Illustrations: Yes
Number of Pages: 184
Book Size: 914x638x44 78
This is a substantially revised and updates new edition of a classic introductory textbook. Although there are a wealth of cosmology texts at postgraduate level, Cosmology remains the classic introduction to modern cosmology for undergraduates. While designed as the main text for a coursegiven at second or third year level, it is sufficiently self-contained for anyone with school science to understand. There is a strong emphasis on observational cosmology, with introductory chapters on the visible universe, our galaxy and other galaxies and the empirical basis for cosmological
theory. After an account of the big bang model, there are chapters on the early stages of the big bang and galaxy formation. Finally, there are chapters on cosmological tests and on alternative theories. One feature of the book it its updated epilogue of twenty controversies on cosmology today.
The latest results from the WMAP mission are included and a wealth of new material, including a stronger emphasis on the cosmological constant. It has an extensive glossary and the exercises have been substantially expanded. A stronger emphasis on the physical basis for cosmology is included
throughout.
Book News Annotation:
This brief undergraduate textbook emphasizes observational cosmology,
with introductory chapters on the visible universe, our galaxy and
others, and the empirical basis for cosmological theories. After an
account of the big bang model, the book describes the stages of
galaxy formation and considers alternative theories. Rowan-Robinson
is affiliated with the Blackett laboratory at Imperial College,
London.
Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Review:
"This brief undergraduate textbook emphasizes observational cosmology, with introductory chapters on the visible universe, our galaxy and others, and the empirical basis for cosmological theories. After an account of the big bang model, the book describes the stages of galaxy formation and considers
alternative theories. Rowan-Robinson is affiliated with the Blackett laboratory at Imperial College, London." --SciTech Book News
Synopsis:
This is a revised and updated new edition of a classic introductory text on cosmology for undergraduates, also accessible to anyone with a secondary school science background. New results from the WMAP mission are included as well as results from Hubble Key Project and High Redshift Supernovae Teams. The physical basis for cosmology is emphasized and there are many new exercises.
Synopsis:
This book offers a completely up-to-date introduction to the exciting science of cosmology. It describes the very latest discoveries that have led astronomers and physicists ever closer to understanding the deepest secrets of the universe: its origin, evolution, and eventual fate. The author
shows how today's technology has enabled scientists to exploit every clue hidden in the electromagnetic spectrum of radiating objects located at unimaginable distances from our solar system. The formation and aging of different types of stars and galaxies are considered, as are the dramatic
phenomena of quasars and black holes. The Big Bang model of the universe is presented in Newtonian terms, and their derivation from the general theory of relativity is briefly sketched. For general readers with some science background, as well as undergraduates in physics and astronomy, the book
offers a fascinating look at current cosmological knowledge. It ends with a discussion of 20 leading controversies and unanswered questions that scientists are attempting to resolve.
