Edwin Hubble, The Discoverer of the Big Bang Universe

by Alexander S. Sharov, Igor D. Novikov, Vitaly Kiskin

Overview

This book is the first complete account of the scientific life and work of Edwin Hubble, whose discoveries form the basis of all theories of the evolution of the universe. One of the outstanding astronomers of the twentieth century, Hubble studied the velocities or redshifts of galaxies and discovered that the universe is expanding. He convincingly proved that our galaxy is only one of countless galaxies and thus paved the way for the exploration of an immense world beyond the limits of our knowledge. The exploding universe proposed by Hubble, now termed the Big Bang, is used to explain the origin of the elements, of stars, and of galaxies. The second part of the book describes the fundamental discoveries on the nature of the universe made subsequently, and thus sets his achievements in context. Hubble's vision, particularly his efforts to help build the big telescope at Mt. Palomar, firmly established the United States as a leader in observational astronomy. Written by two prominent astronomers (Dr. Novikov is the author of Black Holes and the Universe, CUP, 1990) who have built on Hubble's work, this book is a classic of science, setting out the thrilling story of the exploding universe.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521416177
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	10/14/1993
Pages:	220
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.55(d)

Table of Contents

Preface to the English edition; Preface to the Russian edition; Part I. Life and Work: 1. Choosing the way; 2. On the threshold of great achievements; 3. The island universe; 4. The red-shift predecessors; 5. The law bearing his name; 6. Recognition; 7. Civil duty; 8. Hopes crushed; Part II. Hubble's Work Continued: 9. Distances to galaxies and the Hubble constant; 10. Current and future research projects; 11. The discovery of the hot universe; 12. Explosion; Chronology of Edwin Hubble's life and work; Bibliography of Hubble's publications; References; Indexes.

Editorial Reviews

"...well worth reading." Donald E. Osterbrock, Nature

"...the first complete account of the scientific life and work of Edwin Hubble, whose discoveries form the basis of all theories about the evolution of the universe." Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society

"...draws together much information otherwise scattered and difficult to find....essential to a full understanding of Hubble's continuing influence....will reward those who read it." Donald DeB. Beaver, Isis

"...a labor of love by professional astronomers fascinated by the history of their science and with an open admiration of Hubble and his accomplishments." Thomas Pinkney Davis, The Strolling Astronomer

From the Publisher