Origin and Evolution of the Universe

The book provides a broad overview of what we currently know about the Origin and Evolution of the Universe. The goal is to be scientifically comprehensive but concise. We trace the origins from the Big Bang and cosmic expansion, to the formation of galaxies, heavy elements, stars and planets as abodes for life. This field has made stunning progress since the first edition of this book. At that time, there were no known planets outside of our own Solar System (compared with the many thousands currently being studied). The origin of massive black holes was pure speculation (compared with the very recent detection of the first gravitational waves from space, produced by the cataclysmic merger of two surprisingly large black holes). And the most important energy in the Universe, now known as the Dark Energy which is accelerating the expansion, had not been discovered. We aim to bring lay readers with an interest in science &apos;up to speed&apos; on all of these key discoveries that are part of the panorama of cosmic evolution, which has ultimately lead to our existence on Earth.<b>Contents:</b> <ul><li>The Origin of the Universe <i>(Edward L Wright)</i></li><li>The Origin and Evolution of Galaxies <i>(Alan Dressler)</i></li><li>The Origin and Evolution of the Chemical Elements <i>(Virginia Trimble)</i></li><li>Stellar Explosions, Netutron Stars, and Black Holes <i>(Alexei V Filippenko)</i></li><li>The Origin of Stars and Planets <i>(Fred C Adams)</i></li><li>The Origin and Evolution of Life in the Universe <i>(Christopher P McKay)</i></li></ul><br><b>Readership:</b> Science students, professionals and general public interested in astronomy.Astronomy;Big Bang;Cosmology;Galaxies;Stars;Supernovae;Planets;Extraterrestrial Life0<b>Key Features:</b><ul><li>Up-to-date coverage of many crucial scientific advances in the last few years</li><li>Written by leading researchers who have contributed in their specialties to our understanding of cosmic evolution</li><li>Compact treatments of key concepts of cosmic origins and evolution, accessible to a wide range of interested readers who do not necessarily hold college degrees in physical sciences</li></ul>