An Introduction to the Science of Cosmology (Series in Astronomy and Astrophysics)

A thorough introduction to modern ideas on cosmology and on the physical basis of the general theory of relativity, An Introduction to the Science of Cosmology explores various theories and ideas in big bang cosmology, providing insight into current problems. Assuming no previous knowledge of astronomy or cosmology, this book takes you beyond introductory texts to the point where you are able to read and appreciate the scientific literature, which is broadly referenced in the book. The authors present the standard big bang theory of the universe and provide an introduction to current inflationary cosmology, emphasizing the underlying physics without excessive technical detail. The book treats cosmological models without reliance on prior knowledge of general relativity, the necessary physics being introduced in the text as required. It also covers recent observational evidence pointing to an accelerating expansion of the universe. The first several chapters provide an introduction to the topics discussed later in the book. The next few chapters introduce relativistic cosmology and the classic observational tests. One chapter gives the main results of the hot big bang theory. Next, the book presents the inflationary model and discusses the problem of the origin of structure and the correspondingly more detailed tests of relativistic models. Finally, the book considers some general issues raised by expansion and isotropy. A reference section completes the work by listing essential formulae, symbols, and physical constants. Beyond the level of many elementary books on cosmology, An Introduction to the Science of Cosmology encompasses numerous recent developments and ideas in the area. It provides more detailed coverage than many other titles available, and the inclusion of problems at the end of each chapter aids in self study and makes the book suitable for taught courses. Cosmology EEn 1 Front Cover 2 Back Cover 3 Copyright Info 7 TOC 8 Preface 14 Chapter 1 - Reconstructing time 16 Chapter 2 - Expansion 25 Chapter 3 - Matter 36 Chapter 4 - Radiation 56 Chapter 5 - Relativity 75 Chapter 6 - Models 116 Chapter 7 - Hot big bang 143 Chapter 8 - Inflation 178 Chapter 9 - Structure 194 Chapter 10 - Epilogue 220 Reference material 225 References 228 Index 232 1. Reconstructing Time -- 2. Expansion -- 3. Matter -- 4. Radiation -- 5. Relativity -- 6. Models -- 7. Hot Big Bang -- 8. Inflation -- 9. Structure -- 10. Epilogue. Derek Raine, Ted Thomas. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. It is difficult to resist the temptation to organize the brightest stars into patterns in the night sky.