The Origin Of The Universe
(The Science Masters Series)
by
3.76 · Rating details · 463 ratings · 35 reviews
There is no more profound, enduring or fascinating question in all of science than that of how time, space, and matter began. Now John Barrow, who has been at the cutting edge of research in this area and has written extensively about it, guides us on a journey to the beginning of time, into a world of temperatures and densities so high that we cannot recreate them in a laboratory. With new insights, Barrow draws us into the latest speculative theories about the nature of time and the “inflationary universe,” explains “wormholes,” showing how they bear upon the fact of our own existence, and considers whether there was a “singularity” at the inception of the universe. Here is a treatment so up-to-date and intellectually rich, deaing with ideas and speculation at the farthest frontier of science, that neither novice nor expert will want to miss what Barrow has to say. The Origin of the Universe is ”In the Beginning” for beginners—the latest information from a first-rate scientist and science writer. (less)
Aug 24, 2016Dawn rated it liked it
I think I understood it while I was reading it...but don't ask me to explain anything. (less)
Part of the Science Masters series, I would not call this an easy read but it was a beginning. When I finished, I had a more understanding about expansion of the universe, singularity, continuance (as it reflected on Einstein’s theory of relativity) and quantum, mostly physics. As a beginner reading this subject, I was not expecting this book to be easy but I was surprised to come away with the little understanding I did. This is a book I would return to, feeling confident I will come away with more understanding with each read. (less)
A good account of the origin of the universe and concepts of theories, our existence and matters of the universe with a great foundation for those interested in the area and beginners wanting to find out more about this topic.
Plenty reeling of facts and principles, great for those who don’t have any prior knowledge on this. And equally as good for those who do but just want a recap of what they might have learnt before. I also loved the addition of the Sherlock Holmes quotes, as a lover of Arthur Canon Doyle’s work!
I liked the chapter on quantum too which was great and delivered in a way that helped to describe an incredibly confusing and complex concept. Plenty of great information in this and doesn’t over complicate, providing you with the facts needed to understand this topic. (less)
Plenty reeling of facts and principles, great for those who don’t have any prior knowledge on this. And equally as good for those who do but just want a recap of what they might have learnt before. I also loved the addition of the Sherlock Holmes quotes, as a lover of Arthur Canon Doyle’s work!
I liked the chapter on quantum too which was great and delivered in a way that helped to describe an incredibly confusing and complex concept. Plenty of great information in this and doesn’t over complicate, providing you with the facts needed to understand this topic. (less)
Easy to read and def covers the topic. It does cover the origin of the Universe. It does do so in a compelling way. I think there are just a ton of competition in this topic. For that reason, it's hard to give it 5. 4 is a strong rating, though and if you can't be bothered to read some of the larger tombs, I would go to this one. ...more
Mar 09, 2020Kate rated it liked it
Książka ta przypomina inną książkę, którą czytałam ostatnio ("Astrophysics for people in a Hurry"), ale nie posiada ona aż tak chwytliwego tytułu. Może ocenianie przez porównanie tych dwoch książek nie jest bardzo obiektywne, ale wiele z informacji w tych dwóch książkach się pokrywa, choć znalazłam też takie, które warte są przytoczenia.
Ciekawostka 1:
Ekspansja Wszechświata jest izotropowa, czyli taka sama we wszystkich kierunkach.
Ciekawostka 2:
Model stanu stacjonarnego Wszechświata został wymyślony w 1948 roku przez Golda, Bondiego i Hoyle'a. Wedłuch nich, Wszechświat zawsze wygląda tak samo i nie ma początku, a gęstość materii w nim jest stała. Inna teoria opisująca Wszechświat to teoria Wielkiego Wybuchu. Przewiduje ona, że gęstość materii we Wszechświecie ciągle maleje, bo nie następuje kreacja nowej materii. Dodatkowo, Wszechświat miał początek.
Ciekawostka 3:
Obserwacje astronomiczne lekkich pierwiastków pozwalają badać znacznie wcześniejsze epoki niż obserwacje mikrofalowego tła. Na podstawie obserwowanej ilości helu we Wszechświacie, można było wydedukować ile jest rodzajów neutrin (3).
Ciekawostka 4:
Obecność węgla we Wszechświecie jest uzależniona od stanu rezonansowego helu, berylu i wegla. Ten stan rezonansowy powstaje przez kombinację jąder helu i berylu, co skutkuje powstaniem węgla. Dodatkowo, węgiel, wkrótce po utworzeniu, teoretycznie mógłby poprzez przyłączenie kolejnego jądra helu zamienić się w tlen. Jednakże, rekacja ta nie wykazuje rezonansu, co skutkuje relatywną obfitością we Wszechświecie zarówno węgla jak i tlenu. (less)
Ciekawostka 1:
Ekspansja Wszechświata jest izotropowa, czyli taka sama we wszystkich kierunkach.
Ciekawostka 2:
Model stanu stacjonarnego Wszechświata został wymyślony w 1948 roku przez Golda, Bondiego i Hoyle'a. Wedłuch nich, Wszechświat zawsze wygląda tak samo i nie ma początku, a gęstość materii w nim jest stała. Inna teoria opisująca Wszechświat to teoria Wielkiego Wybuchu. Przewiduje ona, że gęstość materii we Wszechświecie ciągle maleje, bo nie następuje kreacja nowej materii. Dodatkowo, Wszechświat miał początek.
Ciekawostka 3:
Obserwacje astronomiczne lekkich pierwiastków pozwalają badać znacznie wcześniejsze epoki niż obserwacje mikrofalowego tła. Na podstawie obserwowanej ilości helu we Wszechświacie, można było wydedukować ile jest rodzajów neutrin (3).
Ciekawostka 4:
Obecność węgla we Wszechświecie jest uzależniona od stanu rezonansowego helu, berylu i wegla. Ten stan rezonansowy powstaje przez kombinację jąder helu i berylu, co skutkuje powstaniem węgla. Dodatkowo, węgiel, wkrótce po utworzeniu, teoretycznie mógłby poprzez przyłączenie kolejnego jądra helu zamienić się w tlen. Jednakże, rekacja ta nie wykazuje rezonansu, co skutkuje relatywną obfitością we Wszechświecie zarówno węgla jak i tlenu. (less)
Apr 21, 2021Socrate rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Cum, de ce şi când a apărut universul? Cât de maree? Ce formă are? Din ce e alcătuit? Acestea sunt întrebări pe care orice copil curios le-ar putea pune, dar sunt şi întrebări cu care cosmologii zilelor noastre se luptă de mai multe decenii. Pentru ziarişti şi autorii de ştiinţă popularizată, unul din motivele de atracţie ale cosmologiei este acela că multe probleme de la frontierele acestui domeniu sunt uşor de prezentat. Luaţi de exemplu frontierele electronicii cuantice, ale secvenţelor de ADN, ale neurofiziologiei sau ale matematicii pure, şi nu veţi găsi probleme pe care specialistul să le poată traduce atât de uşor în limbajul de zi cu zi. (less)
Jun 27, 2018Ella Catherall rated it liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: 1500-book-project, books-i-own, non-fiction-books, science
As an introduction to a field of study that encourages you to go and find out more about it, it's a great book. The breadth of content covered is astounding and it really leaves you wanting more. However, there were many times when concepts felt rushed over, particularly in the case of the bit about magnetic monopoles which I've read back over a few times and still don't quite understand. Nevertheless, if you're trying to get into cosmology and you're looking for a few different books to read (I wouldn't just read this one), this is a good one to have on that list. (less)
Aug 10, 2019Marco rated it it was ok · review of another edition
Queste "onde/particelle" si potrebbero paragonare più a delle onde emotive che a delle onde liquide. Se un'ondata di emozione si diffonde nelle nostre vicinanze, ciò significa che è molto probabile che da quelle parti vi sia un comportamento emotivo. (less)
A little dated, but otherwise readable account of the origin of the universe. Examines several theories, explains in layman's terms. Good background on the subject, if not the latest theories.
3.5 stars (less)
3.5 stars (less)
This book was quite meaty for being a short intro to the topic. Definitely something I will need to re-read to get a full understanding.
Jun 08, 2017Klaudia rated it liked it · review of another edition
Ciekawa i nawet nie taka trudna, ale średnie tłumaczenie psuje przyjemność czytania.
Jun 17, 2021Gary rated it it was amazing
Thoroughly enjoyable! Lots of ideas and theories, but always with the sensible caveat that we don't really know! I like that! (less)
Jun 24, 2018Charlie Bray rated it it was ok
Wish it would have had more intuitive explanations, along the lines of the balloon example/illustration given towards the beginning.
Jan 02, 2021Philip T rated it liked it
Hard to read tbh
Jul 18, 2020Tatiana Rymarenko rated it really liked it
The book suffers for the embarrassment of riches that is its niche, otherwise a good read.
Not that good. Just taking on the major problems of cosmology and discussing them very briefly. Poor
===
The Origin Of The Universe (Science Masters Series) Hardcover – October 7, 1994
by John D. Barrow (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars 13 ratings
Part of: Science Masters Series (14 books)
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Kindle from AUD 4.87
=========================
About the Author
John D. Barrow is Professor of Astronomy at the University of Sussex, England.
Product details
Publisher : Basic Books; First Edition (October 7, 1994)
Language : English
Hardcover : 176 pages
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4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
Top reviews from the United States
Erik Wahlström
4.0 out of 5 stars Cheap, oudated but still interesting
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2018
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This book is interesting, as are all Barrow's books, but outdated, it was originally published in 1994. For instance, the COBE satellite which he writes about a lot has been superceded. The e-book version is also badly proofread. For instance the header of chapter 3 reads: THE SIHGULARITY AHD OTHER PROBLEMS.
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Ron Ron
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2016
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Interesting and easy to read.
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Luc REYNAERT
5.0 out of 5 stars Deepest secrets.
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2002
Excellent presentation of the latest theories about the origin of the universe, like the 'no boundary condition' (Hawking and Hartle), the quantum origin, the inflation period (Guth) or superstrings.
This book is more a scientific explanation with charts and dwawings, but - not always easy - understandable for the layman.
I missed the speculation of a John Gribbin or a Martin Rees.
As in his other excellent book 'Theories of Everything', the author believes that "One day we may be able to say something about the origin of our own cosmic neighbourhood. But we can never know the origins of the universe. The deepest secrets are the ones that keep themselves."
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dr
5.0 out of 5 stars never easy
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2010
Astrophysics is never easy. Expect to have to read and reread many parts a number of parts, and then one's understanding of the origin of the universe will never be complete.
Fine introduction and reference book for those who are curious and willing to commit the required effort.
I recommend this book as one of the most accessible readable and enjoyable Physics primers for students of all ages.
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Wallace F. Smith
4.0 out of 5 stars Science Fails
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2006
This book does not explain the origin of the universe; it doesn't claim to. Science in the person of Professor John Barrow follows the deductive-inductive mantra; either a lab experiment replicates the physical result of specfied causes or flawless reasoning shows there is no room for doubt. Both approaches collapse. If science loses, does God win?
GOD'S NANOSECOND
Max Planck showed God could not have created the universe. First there was nothing and in a billionth of a second - the big bang - there was everything and everything that will be. Forget "seven days" and lab experiments. Science does not make something from nothing.
ZENO - DEDUCTION IS FUTILE
A man walks each day half the remaining distance to his destination; he will never arrive. Infinity doesn't end; there is no ultimate particlde so we cannot find the building block of the universe.
DESCARTES - THE COSMOS IS ONLY IMAGINATION
The real world is only what your senses encounter; it's just a dream - a mental trick. Descartes failed to break out of the "egocentric predicament."
NEWTON - FORCES IN BALANCE
An apple fell to earth and observer Newton "explained" the mutual attraction. He assumed attraction is an attribute of "mass." Masses will orbit. Later Einstein and Planck described described gavity as mysterious "energy" which comes in discrete "quanta." A quantum is "the energy of an atom at rest;" let it go at that. However Newton seriously underestimated the number of objects that whizz about in balanced orbits. National Geographic put the number at a "gazillion." That's very hard math.
EINSTEIN'S SPEED
Einstein persuaded his peers that the speed of light is both the minimum velocity of energy and the maximum. Mental scanning certainly exceeds the speed of light. One problem is the "curvature" of space; algebra is irrational but space insists on transcendental parameters - pi, "e" and sines, for example. These do not exist in nature.
EVOLUTION
Our senses all evolved and are incomplete; so science is literally groping in the dark. Cats hear better, eagles see better and dogs apparently take the prize for ESP. Human brains compute distance from data received by two eyes or two ears; the brain is a sense organ, but pretty primitive. Science concedes that birds evolved from dinosaurs. The proof is in the feet and the eggs. Feathers and chirping just came along; Darwin missed the whole chapter. Forget the universe; explain hummingbirds!
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Robert Bensen Jr
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent - An even briefer history of Time
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 1999
For anyone that enjoyed A Brief History of Time this is a excellent follow up. Great explanation of inflation and the possibilty of a non-singularity beginning of the universe.
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S P Mead
4.0 out of 5 stars the beginning of all things ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 16, 2016
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This book, by John Barrow, seeks to outline and explain the key theoretical understandings that dominated scientific knowledge in the mid-1990's regarding the origin of the universe. Barrow is concerned with how the cosmos began - i.e. what happened during the so-called 'big bang'. This is a well-written book, presuming no scientific background on the part of the reader. It's also a very short book, and makes no effort to be thorough or comprehensive. Rather, it's intended to offer a guide through the various theories that were discussed within the academic community of physicists and astronomers.
Barrow presents the ideas, concepts and evidence for the 'big bang'. He then seeks to speculate on what occurred during the initial minutes of the universe ... even down to the first few seconds. It's then, at the very instance of universal beginning, that known science ceases to be able to present solid arguments as to what's going on. Cause and effect break down, as the cosmos exists as a quantum realm.
This remains a relevant book - and I'm sure it will be of interest to anyone studying cosmology and astronomy at college and as an undergraduate at university. I also recommend it to more general readers, who might be fascinated by the sort of issues raised through exploring the origin of the universe.
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