Book Details

The Accelerating Universe: Infinite Expansion, the Cosmological Constant, and the Beauty of the Cosmos

The discovery that the expansion appears in fact to be speeding up - and therefore that the universe will keep expanding faster and faster for infinity - throws the view of a perfectly balanced "beautiful universe" into question. Mario Livio introduces readers to the "old cosmology", which culminated in the view of the perfectly balanced universe, and then presents all of the ideas being explored by cosmologists in the "new cosmology" as they come to terms with the discovery of acceleration. Offering clear explanations of all the key concepts and theoretical ideas, Livio is a guide through this exciting frontier in science today.

"The Accelerating Universe is not only an informative book about modern cosmology. It is rich storytelling and, above all, a celebration of the human mind in its quest for beauty in all things." - Alan Lightman, author of Einstein's Dreams.

"This is a wonderfully lucid account of the extraordinary discoveries that have made the last years a golden period for observational cosmology. But Mario Livio has not only given the reader one clear explanation after another of what astronomers are up to, he has used them to construct a provocative argument for the importance of aesthetics in the development of science and for the inseparability of science, art, and culture." - Lee Smolin, author of The Life of the Cosmos.

"What a pleasure to read! An exciting, simple account of the universe revealed by modern astronomy. Beautifully written, clearly presented, informed by scientific and philosophical insights." - John Bahcall, Institute for Advanced Study.

"A book with charm, beauty, elegance, and importance. As authoritative a journey as can be taken through modern cosmology." - Allan Sandage, Observatories of the Carnegie Institution of Washington.

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