An accessible look at the mysteries that lurk at the edge of the known universe and beyond The observable universe, the part we can see with telescopes, is incredibly vast. Yet recent theories suggest that there is far more to the universe than what our instruments record—in fact, it could be infinite. Colossal flows of galaxies, large empty regions called voids, and other unexplained phenomena offer clues that our own "bubble universe" could be part of a greater realm called the multiverse. How big is the observable universe? What it is made of? What lies beyond it? Was there a time before the Big Bang? Could space have unseen dimensions? In this book, physicist and science writer Paul Halpern explains what we know—and what we hope to soon find out—about our extraordinary cosmos. Explains what we know about the Big Bang, the accelerating universe, dark energy, dark flow, and dark matter to examine some of the theories about the content of the universe and why its edge is getting farther away from us faster Explores the idea that the observable universe could be a hologram and that everything that happens within it might be written on its edge Written by physicist and popular science writer Paul Halpern, whose other books include Collider: The Search for the World′s Smallest Particles , and What′s Science Ever Done For Us: What the Simpsons Can Teach Us About Physics, Robots, Life, and the Universe
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How big is the observable universe? What is it made of? What lies beyond it? Was there a time before the Big Bang? Could space have unseen dimensions? In Edge of the Universe , award-winning physicist and celebrated author Paul Halpern explores what science has discovered about the far reaches of space and examines the questions they raise about the origin, the development, and the very makeup of the universe. Halpern reveals how twenty-first century technologies have helped scientists solve mysteries that have puzzled philosophers and other thinkers for millennia. He explains how astronomers have been able to pin down the age of the universe, amass a trove of data that describes the primordial era of the cosmos, and offer strong evidence of how the universe has developed since the Big Bang. He reports on a remarkable quest to gauge the shape, size, and fate of the universe using powerful telescopes, delicate microwave receivers, sophisticated computer algorithms, and a host of other tools for capturing light waves from across the spectrum. Despite the high precision of these light-gathering instruments, it is perplexing that galaxies are guided by substances and forces we cannot see: dark matter and dark energy. Dark matter, Halpern explains, accounts for approximately 23 percent of all the material in the universe; yet despite multiple experiments, its identity remains unknown. Dark energy, the force that causes the accelerating expansion, accounts for more than 72 percent of everything in the universe. Yet another find, an enormous movement of galaxy clusters called dark flow, hints of unseen influences from beyond the observable universe. The concept of multiple or parallel universes may sound like pure science fiction, but it has emerged as a potentially plausible explanation for dark matter, dark energy, and dark flow. Halpern explores several multiverse models as well as the even more mind-bending notion that our observable universe is a hologram and that everything that happens in it might be written on its edge. Prepare to discover cosmic dragons lurking in gamma-ray fog, bottomless pits, and looking-glass worlds. Keep an eye out for portals into hidden realms, and don't be surprised if you should happen upon an immense axis of evil piercing the cosmic background. These and many other wonders await you in Edge of the Universe .
From the Back Cover
Advance Praise for Edge of the Universe " Edge of the Universe is a breezy romp through the universe as we know it. Paul Halpern covers all of the big topics in cosmology with a crisp and engaging tone, at a level that even a novice can follow, and pairs it with pop cultural references and very engaging scientific history. He gives a grand view of not only what we know, but also what we don′t entirely understand, from inflation and the edge of the universe to the ′Axis of Evil′ in the cosmic microwave background and the dark flow of galaxies." — Dave Goldberg , io9.com contributor and coauthor of A User′s Guide to the Universe "Cosmology today is more exciting than it has ever been in its 2,500–year history. In this lively book, Halpern explains why and leaves us desperate to see what surprises the universe has in store." —Graham Farmelo, author of The Strangest Man: The Hidden Life of Paul Dirac, Mystic of the Atom "A delightful introduction to all the major topics in modern cosmology. In user–friendly language, Halpern manages to describe the ins and outs of this complex subject, from the well–established to the highly speculative. This is truly a remarkable accomplishment." — Gino Segré , author of Faust in Copenhagen: A Struggle for the Soul of Physics "A fantastic romp along the frontiers of modern cosmology—and beyond. Halpern makes us wonder about our place in the vast universe, both in space and time, and marvel at the mystery of dark matter, dark energy, extra dimensions, parallel universes, and so much more." — Dr. Clifford Pickover , author of The Physics Book: From the Big Bang to Quantum Resurrection, 250 Milestones in the History of Physics "In this lively, fast–paced, and authoritative book, Paul Halpern takes us not only to the edge of the universe but to the edge of our knowledge of the universe." — Marcus Chown , author of Solar System: A Visual Exploration of the Planets, Moons, and Other Heavenly Bodies that Orbit Our Sun
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By AntRyanET
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
What can I say - this is scientific outreach at its best, in the best arena of science - physics.
Paul Halpern's book not only explores beyond the horizon of observation, but makes the subject of cosmology within everyone's reach. He does this in a fun, non-condescending way, which unlike many science writers makes the reader feel included in the journey the book takes.
On this Universal voyage, we encounter Dark matter and Dark energy; imagine what could be behind these significantly influential, yet largely unknown phenomena, before navigating our way through higher dimensions and across the Multiverse.
In addition to all the accurately, concise information, we find ourselves learning about the cosmos in a fun way, with everyday references and analogies. The book oozes the author's enthusiasm for the subject. I hope and expect this book will make a strong impact and whet the appetite for Cosmology to many more amateurs (like me) and pure novices alike, and judging from advance praise from the books previewers, Paul's professional peers also think the book is wonderful.
Paul Halpern's book not only explores beyond the horizon of observation, but makes the subject of cosmology within everyone's reach. He does this in a fun, non-condescending way, which unlike many science writers makes the reader feel included in the journey the book takes.
On this Universal voyage, we encounter Dark matter and Dark energy; imagine what could be behind these significantly influential, yet largely unknown phenomena, before navigating our way through higher dimensions and across the Multiverse.
In addition to all the accurately, concise information, we find ourselves learning about the cosmos in a fun way, with everyday references and analogies. The book oozes the author's enthusiasm for the subject. I hope and expect this book will make a strong impact and whet the appetite for Cosmology to many more amateurs (like me) and pure novices alike, and judging from advance praise from the books previewers, Paul's professional peers also think the book is wonderful.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Paul Halpern has a real gift for explaining the complexities of science in such a way that even seemingly incomprehensible theories are made clear. In `Edge of the Universe' he takes us on a fast-paced, heady cosmic adventure, teeming with twists, turns, solved and as yet unsolved mysteries. This reads like an edge-of-your-seat detective story, where the adventure spans the birth of our universe (and other universes), through the intriguing descriptions of its inhabitants throughout its evolution, to the possibilities that loom with its eventual demise.
Sparkling flashes of wit, humour and very clever analogies add extra zing to this fascinating book. Halpern had me laughing out loud at times, even as my mind was boggling over the sheer scale of the subject matter. Whether your particular interest is inflation, string theory, dark matter, dark flow, multiverses, the primal quantum sea, branes or black holes (take your pick - there's far more to choose from!), this eloquently written `epic voyage to the cosmic horizon and beyond' is an utterly gripping must-read.
Sparkling flashes of wit, humour and very clever analogies add extra zing to this fascinating book. Halpern had me laughing out loud at times, even as my mind was boggling over the sheer scale of the subject matter. Whether your particular interest is inflation, string theory, dark matter, dark flow, multiverses, the primal quantum sea, branes or black holes (take your pick - there's far more to choose from!), this eloquently written `epic voyage to the cosmic horizon and beyond' is an utterly gripping must-read.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By String
Format:Kindle Edition
I have profound gratitude for scientists, such as Paul Halpern, who convey complex interactions, theories and discoveries in a comprehensible and entertaining manner, especially for a lay person. Although `Edge of the Universe' is rich writing, teeming with technical information and discussion, Paul also utilises humorous metaphor, clever analogy and modern examples to impart the history, mechanics and progress of the science of cosmology and its dynamic relationship with the various branches of quantum physics. I learned about the frontiers of cosmological theory, but also of theorists and the machines (telescopes, satellites, observatories, spectrometers, and colliders) engaged in exploring this largely mysterious, exciting realm. Paul's passion for the subject is contagious and I read the book quickly due to his excellent ability to engage the reader in scientific adventure and discovery. The book is full of insights into the foremost theories on the structure of the universe and helpful to anyone desiring a thorough synopsis of the science of cosmology.
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