Bernard SchutzCambridge University PressEdition: Illustrated, 12/4/2003EAN 9780521455060, ISBN10: 0521455065Hardcover, 490 pages, 25.4 x 20.1 x 3 cmLanguage: EnglishThis book invites the reader to understand our Universe, not just marvel at it. From the clock-like motions of the planets to the catastrophic collapse of a star into a black hole, gravity controls the Universe. Gravity is central to modern physics, helping to answer the deepest questions about the nature of time, the origin of the Universe and the unification of the forces of nature. Linking key experiments and observations through careful physical reasoning, the author builds the reader's insight step-by-step from simple but profound facts about gravity on Earth to the frontiers of research. Topics covered include the nature of stars and galaxies, the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, black holes, gravitational waves, inflation and the Big Bang. Suitable for general readers and for undergraduate courses, the treatment uses only high-school level mathematics, supplemented by optional computer programs, to explain the laws of physics governing gravity.Preface1. Gravity on Earththe inescapable force2. And then came Newtongravity takes center stage3. Satelliteswhat goes up doesn't always come down4. The Solar Systema triumph for Newtonian gravity5. Tides and tidal forcesthe real signature of gravity6. Interplanetary travelthe cosmic roller-coaster7. Atmosphereskeeping planets covered8. Gravity in the Sunkeeping the heat on9. Reaching for the starsthe emptiness of outer space10. The colors of starswhy they are black (bodies)11. Stars at workfactories for the Universe12. Birth to deaththe life cycle of the stars13. Binary starstidal forces on a huge scale14. Galaxiesatoms in the Universe15. Physics near the speed of lightEinstein stands on Galileo's shoulders16. Relating to Einsteinlogic and experiment in relativity17. Spacetime geometryfinding out what is not relative18. Einstein's gravitythe curvature of spacetime in the Solar System19. Einstein's recipefashioning the geometry of gravity20. Neutron starslaboratories of strong gravity21. Black holesgravity's one-way street22. Gravitational wavesgravity speaks23. Gravitational lensesbringing the Universe into focus24. Cosmologythe study of everything25. Big Bangthe seed from which we grew26. Einstein's Universethe geometry of cosmology27. Ask the Universecosmic questions at the frontiers of gravityAppendix A. Useful constantsvalues used in this bookAppendix B. Backgroundwhat you need to know before you start.'A marvellous work! What strikes me is its immense range and its solid authority. For me this will be a great resource of encyclopedic knowledge, powerful models, and balanced judgement about our Universe.' Edwin F. Taylor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
