Calibrating the Cosmos: How Cosmology Explains Our Big Bang Universe

by Frank Levin

Calibrating the Cosmos describes hard science, but is gently written. It explains in clear, non-mathematical language the measurements and the interpretation of the resulting data that have led to the current understanding of the origin, evolution and properties of our expanding Big Bang universe. Many people have a sketchy idea of the work of cosmologists, but Professor Levin’s experience in teaching both scientific and liberal arts students has enabled him to impart much of our current thinking without resorting to difficult mathematics. Theoretical concepts are emphasized, in particular the symmetries of homogeneity and isotropy enjoyed by our universe on the largest scales, how these symmetries lead to only one quantity being needed to describe the growth of the universe from its infancy to the present time, and how the so-called parameters of the universe are the ingredients used to construct the model universes to which ours – the real thing – is compared. Levin includes the 2003 results from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) and the 2003 and 2004 results of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey to ensure that the book is up to date. He explains the relevance of the discoveries done by the new physics Nobel laureates Smoot and Mather! Background material is provided in the first four chapters; the current picture and how it was attained are discussed in the next four chapters; and some unsolved problems and conjectured solutions are explored in the final chapter.

Genres: Science

310 pages, Hardcover

First published October 17, 2006

Reviews

[Dale Alan Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

In-depth book on measurement in Cosmology. Fairly, easy, read - but the topics are heady and require lots of thought. Good writer with personality. I'm sure he is sorely missed...

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to read about cosmology, and want to know more than easy layman stuff but not super mathematical either. I want there to be enough math to give it context though, without making me think too hard. This book will make you think some, but the understanding it gives you in return is phenomenal!!! I highly recommend this book to anyone serious about knowing what humanity currently understands about the universe. It won't make you think about who's trying to BS who with their latest theory on string-branes or multi-universes. This is what is currently accepted as true, and delivered in a context that can be comprehended, with some effort, by the lay person. Want to feed your need for existential validation? This is the physical world's answer!!!!