Calculating the Cosmos: How Mathematics Unveils the Universe

Written by:
Ian Stewart
Narrated by:
Dana Hickox

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
58
Narrator
10
Release Date
October 2016
Duration
12 hours 41 minutes
Summary
In Calculating the Cosmos, Ian Stewart presents an exhilarating guide to the cosmos, from our solar system to the entire universe. He describes the architecture of space and time, dark matter and dark energy, how galaxies form, why stars implode, how everything began, and how it's all going to end. He considers parallel universes, the fine-tuning of the cosmos for life, what forms extraterrestrial life might take, and the likelihood of life on Earth being snuffed out by an asteroid.

Beginning with the Babylonian integration of mathematics into the study of astronomy and cosmology, Stewart traces the evolution of our understanding of the cosmos: How Kepler's laws of planetary motion led Newton to formulate his theory of gravity. How, two centuries later, tiny irregularities in the motion of Mars inspired Einstein to devise his general theory of relativity. How, eighty years ago, the discovery that the universe is expanding led to the development of the Big Bang theory of its origins. How single-point origin and expansion led cosmologists to theorize new components of the universe, such as inflation, dark matter, and dark energy. But does inflation explain the structure of today's universe? Does dark matter actually exist? Could a scientific revolution that will challenge the long-held scientific orthodoxy and once again transform our understanding of the universe be on the way? In an exciting and engaging style, Calculating the Cosmos is a mathematical quest through the intricate realms of astronomy and cosmology.
Reviews
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Philip H.

I enjoyed this book as I always enjoyed space, science fiction, and books about astrophysics. I usually could understand the math concepts, and liked that the author would sometimes be sceptical of math-based theories, including his own. The author and narrator do a good job explaining the theories in story fashion, which could otherwise be a very boring subject.

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TOM P.

Most of it is too complicated for the lay person.

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Taurias S.

It's refreshing to hear a little math when discussing the cosmological. This was a pleasant listen.

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