The True Story of Modern Cosmology: Origins, Main Actors and Breakthroughs

This book explores the historical development of cosmology from ancient myths and legends to a modern science, highlighting the contributions of astronomers, cosmologists, and theoretical physicists. It explains how empirical astronomical data were reconciled with Einstein's general relativity, leading to a consistent understanding of the observational results. It also discusses the extraordinary implications of these achievements and how they have changed our vision of the cosmos, from being small, static, immutable, and eternal to vast and dynamical, originating from (almost) nothing and now undergoing accelerated expansion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 21 August 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the captivating journey of human understanding of the universe over the past century. In ancient times, our ancestors embarked on the quest to explain the vastness of the cosmos, often resorting to myths and legends to unravel its mysteries. However, this narrative takes us to a pivotal moment when cosmology transformed into a rigorous scientific discipline. It was a slow and arduous process spanning several decades, involving the collaboration of numerous astronomers, cosmologists, and theoretical physicists.

The book intricately explains how empirical astronomical data, such as the observations made by Leavitt, Slipher, and Hubble, were harmonized with Einstein's general relativity, a formidable challenge that ultimately paved the way for a coherent interpretation of the observed results. This groundbreaking achievement led to the formation of a unified understanding among prominent figures such as Friedmann, De Sitter, and Lemaître, eventually culminating in Einstein himself.

The reader will be astounded by the profound implications of these accomplishments, as they fundamentally altered our perception of the cosmos. Once perceived as small, static, and eternal, the universe has now emerged as a vast and dynamic entity, originating from virtually nothing and experiencing an accelerated expansion. However, along with this precious knowledge, new mysteries have emerged, challenging our previous absolute certainty.

This captivating book serves as a testament to the tireless efforts and intellectual prowess of dedicated observers and pioneering scientists who have contributed to our current understanding of the universe. It invites us to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the wonders of the cosmos and the mysteries that still remain unsolved. As we continue to unravel the secrets of the universe, we are reminded of the endless possibilities that lie ahead and the profound impact that scientific exploration has on our understanding of the world we inhabit.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030806569
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021