Overview
The beginning of time has always been a basic question for any undergraduate student, and it is also a question that intrigues current researchers in astronomy. This text provides an introduction to current thought in this expanding field by presenting the excitement of the latest discoveries in the larger context of cosmic evolution. The distinguished contributors are leading researchers at the cutting edge of their fields, and they excel in explaining these subjects to a general audience. Contributors include Fred C. Adams, Alan Dressler, Alexei V. Filippenko, Andrei Linde, Christopher P. McCay, Virginia Trimble, and Edward L. Wright.
ShowKey Features
- Essential physical concepts are clearly and carefully explained at the introductory college level. Related concepts from chemistry, geology, and biology are organized and integrated into the discussions.
- An extensive glossary is provided, and mathematical detail has been deliberately kept simple to make the chapters more accessible.
- Includes insert with 30 beautiful full-color images.
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ShowTable of Contents
Contents
Preface
Biographical Sketches
Chapter 1: The Origin of the Universe, Edward L. Wright
Chapter 2: The Origin and Evolution of Galaxies, Alan M. Dressler
Chapter 3: The Origin of Stars and Planets, Fred C. Adams
Chapter 4: Stellar Explosions, Neutron Stars and Black Holes, Alexei V. Filippenko
Chapter 5: The Origin and Evolution of the Chemical Elements, Virginia L. Trimble
Chapter 6: The Origin and Evolution of Life in the Universe, Christopher P. McKay
Chapter 7: Future of the Universe, Andrei Linde
Glossary
Index
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ShowAbout the Author(s)
Ben Zuckerman-University of California, Los Angeles, California
Ben Zuckerman, University of California, Los Angeles Convenor of The Seventh CSEOL Symposium, is Professor of Physics and Astronomy at UCLA. He received his Ph.D. in 1968 from Harvard University. Dr. Zuckerman has co-edited several books and other volumes in the CSEOL series.
Additional Titles by this Author
ISBN-13: 9780867209662
Matthew A. Malkan, PhD-University of California, Los Angeles, California
Matthew A., Malkan, University of California, Los Angeles received his Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology in 1983. He is currently Professor of Physics and Astronomy at UCLA.
Matthew J. Thomas
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ShowAppropriate Courses
The book is aimed to satisfy readers with a wide range of preparation and interests. It presents up-to-date discussions of cutting-edge advances in astronomy and physics that will intrigue students and amateurs and professional practitioners in all the sciences. Essential physical concepts are explained at approximately the knowledge level of a college freshman. Mathematical detail had been deliberately kept simple to make the chapters accessible to anyone with an appreciation of science, including students and former students not majoring in the sciences.
- Origins of the Universe
- Evolution
- The Universe and Evolution
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