Our Universe: The Thrill of Extragalactic Exploration by Alan Stern (PDF)

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The Universe in which we live is unimaginably vast and ancient, with countless star systems, galaxies, and extraordinary phenomena such as black holes, dark matter, and gamma ray bursts. What phenomena remain mysteries, even to seasoned scientists? Our Universe is a fascinating collection of essays by some of the world’s foremost astrophysicists. Some are theorists, some computational modelers, some observers, but all offer their insights into the most cutting-edge, difficult, and curious aspects of astrophysics. Compiled, the essays describe more than the latest techniques and findings. Each of the ten contributors offers a more personal perspective on their work, revealing what motivates them and how their careers and lives have been shaped by their desire to understand our universe. S. Alan Stern is Director of the Department of Space Studies at Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado. He is a planetary scientist and astrophysicist with both observational and theoretical interests. Stern is an avid pilot and a principal investigator in NASA’s planetary research program, and he was selected to be a NASA space shuttle mission specialist finalist. He is the author of more than 100 papers and popular articles. His most recent book is Pluto & Charon (Wiley, 1997). Contributors: Dr. John Huchra, Harvard University Dr. Esther Hu, University of Hawaii, Honolulu Dr. John Mather, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Dr. Nick Gnedin, University of Colorado, Boulder Dr. Doug Richstone, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Dr. Bohdan Paczynski, Princeton University, NJ Dr. Megan Donahue, Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, MD Dr. Jerry Ostriker, Princeton University, New Jersey G. Bothun, University of Oregon, Eugene

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: From Publishers Weekly Stern, an astrophysicist at the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colo., presents a fascinating collection of essays on cosmology by nine of the most important scientists in the field, who take the reader to the edge of the Big Bang and the event horizon of a black hole. John Huchra recounts how he and others first mapped the universe’s large-scale structure, revealing massive clusters of galaxies like the so-called “Great Wall.” Bohdan Paczynski updates the search for the sources of the mysterious, ultra-high-energy gamma-ray bursts that seem to come from all corners of the night sky. Scientists now hypothesize that they may be associated with “hypernovas,” explosions of exceptional magnitude. Russian-American cosmologist Nick Gnedin and Jeremiah Ostriker, a giant in the field, explain the paradox of dark matter, the predominant form of matter in the universe: scientists have theoretically proven that it exists, but they don’t know yet what it “looks like.” Aside from a few instances of advanced math and technical discussions, the essays are accessibly written and will be eagerly read by science buffs. The concluding essay by Gregory Bothun on his discovery of “diffuse” galaxies is a magisterial account of how a young scientist establishes a career and faces down naysayers when he makes an unexpected discovery that challenges scientific dogma. Young people interested in going into any of the sciences will learn about the often uphill battle from several of the personal accounts here. Young women in particular will profit from the essay by Megan Donahue, but her compelling story will appeal to all readers. Color illus. not seen by PW. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Review “…a fascinating collection of essays on cosmology by nine of the most important scientists in the field, who take the reader to the edge of the Big Bang and the event horizon of a black hole…the essays are accessibly written and will be eagerly read by science buffs…Young people interested in going into any of the sciences will learn about the often uphill battle from several of the personal accounts here.” Publishers Weekly”Nine renowned astronomers recount their simple childhood love of the night sky and how they grew up to be cutting-edge scientists using sophisticated instruments to investigate black holes, gamma-ray bursts, and the mysteries of dark matter.” Discover Book Description Leading astrophysicists give personal accounts of their work and desire to understand our Universe. Read more

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐WOW. I think this has to be the most inspiring and thought provoking book I have ever read.This book is the stories of accomplished astronomers — how they got there.Every essay is the pivotal, nail-biting moments in the lives of some of the biggest names in astronomy. Each page delves deeper into the critical moments when these fine men and women unlocked the secrets of the universe and paved the way for generations.If you’re looking for something motivating, if you’re looking for something cerebral, if you’re looking for something dramatic, emotional, suspenseful — look no further.As someone who is *very* picky about books, I finished this book in no time because I just could NOT put it down.If you’re a budding scientist not sure of where to go, read this book and take notes. There is simply nothing you cannot accomplish, and the distinguished work beautifully showcased on each page will captivate and inspire you. Once you’ve read this book, these stories will never leave you.

⭐It was just as described. I like reading books, what can I say! Haven’t finished it yet, but I’m getting there .

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