First Light: Switching on Stars at the Dawn of Time

Astronomers have observed a lot of the Universe's history, but they are still in the dark ages when it comes to understanding how the Universe began and grew up. The Epoch of Reionization, which represents the start of the cosmos as we experience it today, is missing the first one billion years from the timeline. This book sheds light on this time of darkness, telling the story of these first stars, hundreds of times the size of the Sun and a million times brighter, lonely giants that lived fast and died young in powerful explosions that seeded the Universe with the heavy elements that we are made of.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Astronomers have made significant strides in observing the Universe's history, from capturing the aftermath of the Big Bang to imaging countless galaxies and visualizing an actual black hole. However, when it comes to understanding the origins and evolution of the Universe, we are still in the dark ages. In essence, we are missing the first billion years of the Universe's timeline. This crucial period in the Universe's history, known as the 'Epoch of Reionization,' marks the beginning of the cosmos as we know it today. It was during this time that the very first stars emerged, bringing light into the darkness after centuries of uneventful expansion. One by one, these stars formed, marking the beginning of the order that would eventually give rise to galaxies, black holes, and stars. This pivotal moment also set the stage for the formation of planets, comets, moons, and ultimately life itself.

Incorporating the latest research in this field of astrophysics, this book delves into the era of darkness, shedding light on the story of these first stars. These giants, hundreds of times larger than the Sun and a million times brighter, were solitary creatures that lived fast and died young in explosive eruptions that seeded the Universe with the heavy elements that make up our world. Dr. Emma Chapman, a leading expert in this area, provides insights into the formation of these stars, their unique characteristics, and the valuable lessons they can teach us about the Universe today. She also offers a firsthand account of the immense telescopes soon to be launched, which will be used to peer into the past and search for the echoes and footprints of these stars, providing a glimpse into the mysteries of our cosmic origins.

The 'Epoch of Reionization' represents a pivotal moment in the history of the Universe, marking the transition from chaos to order and paving the way. By studying the characteristics of these first stars, astronomers can gain a deeper understanding of the processes that shaped the early stages of our universe, shedding light on the origins. This knowledge has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos and our place within it.

In conclusion, this book offers a captivating journey into the depths of the Universe's history, shedding light on the enigmatic era of the 'Epoch of Reionization.' Through Dr. Emma Chapman's expert insights and firsthand accounts, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the origins of the stars that shaped our world and the mysteries that still remain. It is a must-read for anyone interested in astronomy, astrophysics, and the origins of the cosmos.

Weight: 228g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472962942