The Universe at Large: Key Issues in Astronomy and Cosmology

Description

The Universe at Large presents a unique survey of key questions outstanding in contemporary astronomy and cosmology. In this timely volume, eleven of the world's greatest living astronomers and cosmologists present their personal views of what problems must be addressed by future research. Allan Sandage presents a 23-point plan to reach a full understanding of the largescale structure in the Universe; Geoffrey Burbidge looks at the future of the Quasi Steady State alternative to the Big Bang; active galactic nuclei (AGN) are discussed by E. Margaret Burbidge, Donald Osterbrock and Malcolm Longair; Igor Novikov, Donald Lynden-Bell, Martin Rees and Rashid Sunyaev look at the physics of black holes; and Bernard Pagel and Hubert Reeves concentrate on what we don't yet understand about elements in the cosmos. This book provides a unique review of our current understanding in astronomy and cosmology, and a host of ideas for profitable future research - for graduate students and researchers.

'This book is a very interesting collection for scientists working in astronomy and for students who want to learn more on the key questions of astronomy of today.' Reviews of Astronomical Tools 'For authoritative surveys, breadth and depth of coverage of the field of modern astro-physics and cosmology, and lively recorded exchanges following the talks, this volume must be well-nigh impossible to beat. In my view it is a rare example of published conference proceedings which are actually worth buying. It is an excellent storehouse of ideas for future research and is greatly recommended to students and researchers in astronomy and astrophysics.' Lewis Ryder, Astronomy Now 'Overall, the book gives a unique review of our current understandings of the Universe which are then developed to provide a host of ideas of lines for profitable future research.' Spaceflight