Many books have described how the universe became the way it is today. But what about the future of the universe? How long might the universe as we recognize it survive? The Future of the Universe takes the reader on a journey through space and time, beginning with a long look at the Earth and solar system, voyaging to the outermost galaxies, and finishing with speculations about the life and fate of the entire universe.

Many books have been written about the Big Bang and how the universe became the way it is today. "Armchair astronomers" have found them endlessly fascinating. But what about the future of the universe? What will happen to the Earth and solar system? What about our galaxy? Indeed, how long will the universe as we recognize it survive?

It is only in recent years that astronomers and cosmologists have come to any kind of consensus about the probable history of the universe, so have been relatively few books speculating about its future evolution.

This will be a "must read" for all amateur astronomers, and scientifically inclined general readers.

Uniquely, begins with the present-day universe and speculates about its long-term future Takes an in-depth look at the future of the Earth and solar system Pitched at "amateur astronomer" level, but assumes no scientific/mathematical background

Autorentext

Jack Meadows was formerly Professor of Astronomy and of the History of Science at Leicester University, UK. He is now Emeritus Professor of Information Science at Loughborough University, UK.

Klappentext

A lot has been written about the history of the universe, from the Big Bang through the evolution of galaxies and stars, to the eventual appearance of life and intelligence.

Much less has been written about what comes next.

What will happen to the planets, stars, and galaxies in the distant future as the universe matures and ages? And closer to home, what will happen to mankind, and to any other intelligent life that may exist on other worlds?

Informed scientific speculation about these biggest of all questions is difficult but by no means impossible, and The Future of the Universe brings together current thinking on the subject. Beginning with a searching look at how our own Sun will probably evolve and the effect this will have on the planets of the solar system, Jack Meadows then turns his spotlight on the stars, galaxies, and clusters of galaxies. Finally he considers the various possible fates of the universe itself, and looks at our present understanding of this ultimate enigma.

Inhalt
Introduction: To Begin With.- The Heat of the Sun.- The Mobile Earth.- The Earth's Oceans and Atmosphere.- Magnetic Earth and Magnetic Sun.- Impact.- The Solar System.- Our Galaxy.- Galaxies.- The Universe.