The Universe: A Biography

The story of our Universe,from the Big Bang to the present,is told in a gripping narrative by Paul Murdin. He explores the most powerful explosions, curious planets, and spectacular celestial bodies, and charts our developing understanding of the cosmos. He also considers key questions such as how galaxies and ourselves emerged from the dense maelstrom of the Universe's birth, how dark matter and energy work to speed up the expansion, and why the Universe hasn't collapsed in on itself.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

The captivating tale of our Universe,spanning from the very first moments of the Big Bang to our present day and beyond,is presented in this gripping narrative.

We have entered a remarkable era of exploration and discovery, granting us the ability to delve into the far-off corners of space and significantly expand our understanding of the Universe. Today, telescopes not only gaze into the vast expanse of outer space but also into the distant past.

Paul Murdin leads us on an extraordinary journey throughout the lifespan of the Universe, from the initial milliseconds of the Big Bang to our current moment and even beyond. Drawing upon the latest astronomical discoveries, Murdin vividly portrays the most significant characters and events in the life of our Universe, including the most powerful explosions, the most curious planets, and the most awe-inspiring celestial bodies. He charts our evolving comprehension of the cosmos, showcasing how thinkers have unraveled profound truths from even the most basic observations. For instance, everyone can perceive the darkness of night, but only recently have we recognized this as evidence that the Universe has not remained the same throughout time.

Since then, the Universe has undergone a remarkable transformation, growing from infancy to maturity and now entering its middle age. Murdin meticulously tracks the Universe's journey, illustrating how our own lives were seeded from the Big Bang, galaxies, stars, and planets. He delves into critical questions such as how galaxies and ourselves emerged from the dense and tumultuous birth of the Universe, how the enigmatic "dark matter" that we cannot perceive contributes to the rapid development of galaxies, and how the mysterious "dark energy" accelerates the expansion of the Universe.

Furthermore, Murdin explores the intriguing question of why the Universe has not collapsed in on itself and offers a glimpse into its future, the old age of our Universe. This captivating narrative provides us with a deeper appreciation for the awe-inspiring wonders that surround us and sheds light on the mysteries that continue to captivate our minds.

Weight: 656g
Dimension: 161 x 245 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500024645