Short description:

This popular science book takes readers on a journey through cosmic epochs, beginning with the Big Bang and cosmic inflation. It then delves into the early universe and primordial nucleosynthesis, explaining why this phase ended after just 10 minutes. The book describes how cosmic microwave radiation emerged and what astonishing information can be extracted from it today. It explores how elements are created in supernova explosions and how such events are used to determine the expansion of the Universe.

Moreover, the Sun and its probable fate is discussed in detail. Complex topics such as relativity, neutron stars, black holes, gravitational waves, cosmic rays and dark matter are explained in a clear and accessible manner. In addition, the book addresses the question of how life could arise and what role neutrinos might play in the synthesis of life. Several of these topics are embedded in a historical context, with some discussions reaching back to the 18th century. The book highlights the most significant achievements by individual scientists involved.

The book is the result of the annual “Münster Astroseminar”, held at the University of Münster, and is aimed at a curious audience with no special prior knowledge. Readers interested in the origin and evolution of the cosmos will find accessible insights into current research of physics.

The authors

Dieter Frekers is a professor and lecturer of experimental particle and nuclear physics at the University of Münster. He is Fellow of the American Physical Society.

Peter Biermann is a professor of astrophysics at the University of Bonn and the University of Alabama. He leads a Research Group at the Max-Planck-Institute for Radioastronomy.

Long description:

This popular science book takes readers on a journey through cosmic epochs, beginning with the Big Bang and cosmic inflation. It then delves into the early universe and primordial nucleosynthesis, explaining why this phase ended after just 10 minutes. The book describes how cosmic microwave radiation emerged and what astonishing information can be extracted from it today. It explores how elements are created in supernova explosions and how such events are used to determine the expansion of the Universe.

Moreover, the Sun and its probable fate is discussed in detail. Complex topics such as relativity, neutron stars, black holes, gravitational waves, cosmic rays and dark matter are explained in a clear and accessible manner. In addition, the book addresses the question of how life could arise and what role neutrinos might play in the synthesis of life. Several of these topics are embedded in a historical context, with some discussions reaching back to the 18th century. The book highlights the most significant achievements by individual scientists involved.

The book is the result of the annual “Münster Astroseminar”, held at the University of Münster, and is aimed at a curious audience with no special prior knowledge. Readers interested in the origin and evolution of the cosmos will find accessible insights into current research of physics.

Table of Contents:

Foreword.- 2. Physics and Cognizance.- 3. Measured Values - Magnitudes.- 4. A Short Trip to the World of Elementary Particles.- 5. Beginning and End of Time and Space.- 6. The Inflationary Universe.- 7. Nucleosynthesis in the Early Universe.- 8. The Microwave Background Radiation.- 9. Late Nucleosynthesis and Supernovae.- 10. Relativity.- 11. Neutron Stars, Inertial Systems, Black Holes.- 12. Cosmic Messengers.- 13. Escape to the Future.