Facts and Speculations in Cosmology

Description

A thought-provoking insight into the evolution of cosmology for undergraduate students and general readers, this book shows that the mystery of the origin of the universe is far from being solved. Cosmology has advanced over time through observational evidence as well as a lot of speculation. In this historical approach, the authors argue that the speculative element has become a dominant part of modern cosmology. They show how assumptions have been made and portrayed as confirmed facts. This unique book gives not only a critical assessment of the big bang theory, but presents a host of anomalous observations, and puts forward an alternative, controversial theory on the origin of the universe. A non-mathematical account, it contains analogies from everyday life so that readers can understand the concepts easily and follow the arguments presented.

Jayant V. Narlikar is Emeritus Professor at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune, India. Known for his work on cosmology, Narlikar served as President of the Cosmology Commission of the International Astronomical Union (1994-97). Other books by Professor Narlikar include An Introduction to Cosmology (now in its third edition, 2002) and Current Issues in Cosmology (with Jean-Claude Pecker, 2006), both with Cambridge University Press. Geoffrey Burbidge is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of California, San Diego. He is best known for his work on stellar nucleosynthesis and quasi-stellar objects. Professor Burbidge has been the recipient of several awards, most recently the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society with Margaret Burbidge. He co-authored A Different Approach to Cosmology (with Jayant Narlikar and Fred Hoyle, Cambridge University Press, released in paperback in 2005).

'... a comprehensive romp through the basics of cosmology from ancient cosmologies via stellar evolution, nuclear synthesis and the observed expanding Universe to details of the standard Big Bang Theory.' The Observatory 'There is an excellent discussion of the Day of Brahma and other interesting stories. In short, [the authors] point out the way that current ideas in cosmology are modified is not too far from some of the perturbation seen in mythology. This is a rather thought-provoking book which is aimed at general readers who have an interest in the origin of the Universe.' Federation of Astronomical Societies Newsletter