George F. R. Ellis, Roy Maartens, Malcolm A. H. MacCallumCambridge University Press, 3/22/2012EAN 9780521381154, ISBN10: 0521381150Hardcover, 634 pages, 25.4 x 3.3 x 1.5 cmLanguage: EnglishCosmology has been transformed by dramatic progress in high-precision observations and theoretical modelling. This book surveys key developments and open issues for graduate students and researchers. Using a relativistic geometric approach, it focuses on the general concepts and relations that underpin the standard model of the Universe. Part I covers foundations of relativistic cosmology whilst Part II develops the dynamical and observational relations for all models of the Universe based on general relativity. Part III focuses on the standard model of cosmology, including inflation, dark matter, dark energy, perturbation theory, the cosmic microwave background, structure formation and gravitational lensing. It also examines modified gravity and inhomogeneity as possible alternatives to dark energy. Anisotropic and inhomogeneous models are described in Part IV, and Part V reviews deeper issues, such as quantum cosmology, the start of the universe and the multiverse proposal. Colour versions of some figures are available at www.cambridge.org/9780521381154.Part I. Foundations1. The nature of cosmology2. Geometry3. Classical physics and gravityPart II. Relativistic Cosmological Models4. Kinematics of cosmological models5. Matter in the Universe6. Dynamics of cosmological models7. Observations in cosmological models8. Light-cone approach to relativistic cosmologyPart III. The Standard Model and Extensions9. Homogeneous FLRW universes10. Perturbations of FLRW universes11. The cosmic background radiation12. Structure formation and gravitational lensing13. Confronting the Standard Model with observations14. Acceleration from dark energy or modified gravity15. 'Acceleration' from large scale inhomogeneity?16. 'Acceleration' from small scale inhomogeneity?Part IV. Anisotropic and Inhomogeneous Models17. The space of cosmological models18. Spatially homogeneous anisotropic models19. Inhomogeneous modelsPart V. Broader Perspective20. Quantum gravity and the start of the Universe21. Cosmology in a larger setting22. Conclusionour picture of the UniverseAppendixReferencesIndex.'This book … fills a gap in the existing literature on the subject. Written by three experts of general relativity, it stresses the geometric aspects of cosmology and contains topics which are neglected in most texts on the subject … This text, which always stresses the open questions on each given topic is very valuable and timely for graduate students and researchers in the field. Especially in view of the 'Dark Energy challenge' which requires that we explore all avenues which may shed light in the bizarre apparent acceleration of cosmic expansion. The book helps us to take the necessary step back and re-consider the fundamental assumptions which go into the present cosmological standard model.' Ruth Durrer, University of Geneva'… a timely offering to the interested graduate student, as well as the astrophysicist realizing that the new astronomical data need concepts from general relativity for their correct interpretation. The authors have been well known for their untiring efforts to educate us all in the use of the general relativistic framework. They have over the years written on many topics concerning observational and theoretical aspects of cosmology. Fortunately now, all this work is integrated into the book in a standardized description which covers all the topics important for cosmology … The necessary formalism is laid out lucidly, and elegantly. Deeper issues … are addressed. Different cosmological models are presented to illuminate how and to what precision observations single out a specific model. I highly recommend the book.' Gerhard Börner, Max-Planck-Institut für Astrophysik and Ludwig Maximilians Universität, Munich'As more and more accurate observational data of the Universe are accumulating, scientists are now well aware of the necessity of taking full account of general relativistic effects for correct interpretations of the observational data. This is exactly the kind of book that can offer you an occasion to learn such effects in cosmology systematically. The broadness of the topics covered is impressive. Yet, each topic is touched in an admirably concise and clear manner. This book will surely take you to frontiers of cosmology.' Misao Sasaki, Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics, Kyoto University'The science of the Universe has taken physics and astronomy by storm over the last few decades. The phenomenal progress in measuring the state of the Universe has made cosmology the premier field of research. While the current theoretical tools have proven to be more than adequate, Relativistic Cosmology now takes cosmology to a new level of sophistication. Ellis, MacCallum and Maartens have brought the geometry space time once again to the fore in a wonderfully comprehensive and coherent survey of the mathematical and physical techniques that need to be deployed to truly understand the origin and evolution of the Universe. This book will become an instant classic.' Pedro Ferreira, University of Oxford
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