Cosmology: The Science of the Universe

by Edward Harrison

Overview

Cosmology: The Science of the Universe is a broad introduction to the science of modern cosmology, with emphasis on its historical origins. The first edition of this best-selling book received worldwide acclaim for its lucid style and wide-ranging exploration of the universe. This eagerly awaited second edition updates and greatly extends the first with seven new chapters that explore early scientific cosmology, Cartesian and Newtonian world systems, cosmology after Newton and before Einstein, special relativity, observational cosmology, inflation and creation of the universe. All chapters conclude with a section entitled Reflections containing provocative topics that will foster lively debate. The new Projects section, also at the end of each chapter, raises questions and issues to challenge the reader.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781009215701
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/23/2022
Edition description:	2nd Revised ed.
Pages:	577
Sales rank:	847,788
Product dimensions:	6.61(w) x 9.57(h) x 1.26(d)

About the Author

Edward Harrison (1919–2007) was Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Massachusetts, and adjunct Professor of Astronomy at the Steward Observatory, University of Arizona. He was born and educated in England, and served for several years in the British Army during World War II. He was principal scientist at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment and Rutherford High Energy Laboratory until 1966 when he became a Five College Professor at the University of Massachusetts, and taught at Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith Colleges. He wrote several books, including Masks of the Universe, also published by Cambridge University Press, and published hundreds of technical papers in physics and astronomy journals.

Table of Contents

Prefaces; Introduction; Part I: 1. What is cosmology?; 2. Early scientific cosmology; 3. Cartesian and Newtonian world systems; 4. Cosmology after Newton and before Einstein; 5. Stars; 6. Galaxies; 7. Location and the cosmic center; 8. Containment and the cosmic edge; 9. Space and time; Part II: 10. Curved space; 11. Special relativity; 12. General relativity; 13. Black holes; 14. Expansion of the universe; 15. Cosmic redshifts; 16. Newtonian cosmology; 17. Cosmic box; 18. Many universes; 19. Observational cosmology; Part III: 20. The early universe; 21. Horizons in the universe; 22. Inflation; 23. The cosmic numbers; 24. Darkness at night; 25. Creation of the universe; 26. Life in the universe; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"Unusual, discursive, nonmathematical, full of reflective comments and disturbing questions, packed with unexpected citations....A beginning serious interest in cosmology can find no better satisfaction than in this helpful overview...this book may well blow your mind." Scientific American

"This very well written book belongs on the shelf of all physicists and in all libraries." Choice

"Harrison's text owes its appeal to its literate presentation of a wide variety of cosmological topics, from the creation myths of ancient Babylon to the relativistic models of Alexander Friedman...so much of Harrison's book is timeless, and so much of it is unique, that it deserves to stay in print for a long time. Like the subject of cosmology itself, Harrison's Cosmology is simultaneously uplifiting and exasperating. Perhaps that is why I admire it so much and will be recommending it to students for many years to come." American Journal of Physics

From the Publisher