This fascinating book provides an accessible and up-to-date overview of modern cosmology. In particular, the book discusses the formation of the Cosmic Microwave Background and the evolution of large scale structures in the universe, the distribution of galaxies and clusters of galaxies on very large distance scales.

Following a brief introduction, the authors describe the scientific method how science is done. They then discuss observational cosmology, the instruments and what observations can be done with them, and what is derived from those observations. After discussing the constituents of the universe, including dark matter and dark energy, the authors provide an outline of the forces that shape the universe, with particular emphasis on gravitation. Following this, the reader is taken on a journey in time from the present day back to the very beginning of the universe, a period called inflation, which sets the initial conditions for the subsequent evolution of the universe. The book ends with a brief chapter on what lies beyond.

Written by two experts, the book is aimed at the interested lay-person with little or no physics background, but an interest in modern cosmology.

Written for the interested lay person -- no equations, no jargon, self-contained with a detailed glossary Contains more than 60 figures and images, illustrating and explaining technical issues Discusses developments in theoretical and observational cosmology, including the first detection for gravitational waves

Autorentext

David R. Matravers is Professor Emeritus at the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation at the University of Portsmouth.
Karim A. Malik is Director of the Astronomy Unit at Queen Mary University of London and Reader in Theoretical Cosmology.
Their research interests include all aspects of theoretical cosmology, such as the physics of the early universe, the formation of the Cosmic Microwave Background and the large scale structure of the universe.

Inhalt
Preface.- Introduction.- How does science work?.- What observations do we use?.- What do we observe?.- What is the universe made of?.- What are the forces that shape the universe?.- How does the structure in the universe form?.- Going Back in Time.- How did it all begin?. What lies beyond?.- What didn't fit more technical and side issues .- Glossary.