The constants of nature : from Alpha to Omega--the numbers that encode the deepest secrets of the universe

A major contribution to our understanding of the basic laws of the universe -- from the author of The Book of Nothing . The constants of nature are the fundamental laws of physics that apply throughout the universe: gravity, velocity of light, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics. They encode the deepest secrets of the universe, and express at once our greatest knowledge and our greatest ignorance about the cosmos. Their existence has taught us the profound truth that nature abounds with unseen regularities. Yet while we have become skilled at measuring the values of these constants, our frustrating inability to explain or predict their values shows how much we have still to learn about inner workings of the universe. What is the ultimate status of these constants of nature? Are they truly constant? And are there other universes where they are different? John D. Barrow, one of our foremost mathematicians and cosmologists, discusses the latest thinking about these and many more dramatic issues in this accessible and thought-provoking book. A Physicist Describes What The Constants Of Nature Reveal About The Inner Workings Of The World And Explains How, Despite Our Expertise At Measuring The Values Of Such Numbers, We Cannot Explain Nor Predict Them. Before The Beginning -- Journey Towards Ultimate Reality -- Superhuman Standards -- Further, Deeper, Fewer: The Quest For A Theory Of Everything -- Eddington's Unfinished Symphony -- Mystery Of The Very Large Numbers -- Biology And The Stars -- Anthropic Principle -- Altering Constants And Rewriting History -- New Dimensions -- Variations On A Constant Theme -- Reach For The Sky -- Other Worlds And Big Questions. John D. Barrow. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [293]-342) And Index. "The constants of nature are the numbers that define the universe. They tell us how strong its forces are and what its fundamental laws can do: the strength of gravity and magnetism, the speed of light, and the masses of the smallest particles. They encode the deepest secrets of the universe, and their existence tells us that nature abounds with unseen regularities. Yet, while we have become skilled at measuring the values of these constants, our inability to explain or predict them shows how much we still have to learn about the cosmos."--BOOK JACKET.