A Ray of Light in a Sea of Dark Matter

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Physics, Astronomy
Cover of the book A Ray of Light in a Sea of Dark Matter by Charles Keeton, Rutgers University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Charles Keeton ISBN: 9780813572123
Publisher: Rutgers University Press Publication: April 30, 2014
Imprint: Rutgers University Press Language: English
Author: Charles Keeton
ISBN: 9780813572123
Publisher: Rutgers University Press
Publication: April 30, 2014
Imprint: Rutgers University Press
Language: English

 What’s in the dark?  Countless generations have gazed up at the night sky and asked this question—the same question that cosmologists ask themselves as they study the universe. 

The answer turns out to be surprising and rich. The space between stars is filled with an exotic substance called “dark matter” that exerts gravity but does not emit, absorb, or reflect light. The space between galaxies is rife with “dark energy” that creates a sort of cosmic antigravity causing the expansion of the universe to accelerate. Together, dark matter and dark energy account for 95 percent of the content of the universe. News reporters and science journalists routinely talk about these findings using terms that they assume we have a working knowledge of, but do you really understand how astronomers arrive at their findings or what it all means?

Cosmologists face a conundrum: how can we study substances we cannot see, let alone manipulate? A powerful approach is to observe objects whose motion is influenced by gravity.  Einstein predicted that gravity can act like a lens to bend light. Today we see hundreds of cases of this—instances where the gravity of a distant galaxy distorts our view of a more distant object, creating multiple images or spectacular arcs on the sky. Gravitational lensing is now a key part of the international quest to understand the invisible substance that surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the universe together. 

A Ray of Light in a Sea of Dark Matter offers readers a concise, accessible explanation of how astronomers probe dark matter.  Readers quickly gain an understanding of what might be out there, how scientists arrive at their findings, and why this research is important to us. Engaging and insightful, Charles Keeton gives everyone an opportunity to be an active learner and listener in our ever-expanding universe.

Watch a video with Charles Keeton:

Watch video now. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc3byXNS1G0).

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

 What’s in the dark?  Countless generations have gazed up at the night sky and asked this question—the same question that cosmologists ask themselves as they study the universe. 

The answer turns out to be surprising and rich. The space between stars is filled with an exotic substance called “dark matter” that exerts gravity but does not emit, absorb, or reflect light. The space between galaxies is rife with “dark energy” that creates a sort of cosmic antigravity causing the expansion of the universe to accelerate. Together, dark matter and dark energy account for 95 percent of the content of the universe. News reporters and science journalists routinely talk about these findings using terms that they assume we have a working knowledge of, but do you really understand how astronomers arrive at their findings or what it all means?

Cosmologists face a conundrum: how can we study substances we cannot see, let alone manipulate? A powerful approach is to observe objects whose motion is influenced by gravity.  Einstein predicted that gravity can act like a lens to bend light. Today we see hundreds of cases of this—instances where the gravity of a distant galaxy distorts our view of a more distant object, creating multiple images or spectacular arcs on the sky. Gravitational lensing is now a key part of the international quest to understand the invisible substance that surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the universe together. 

A Ray of Light in a Sea of Dark Matter offers readers a concise, accessible explanation of how astronomers probe dark matter.  Readers quickly gain an understanding of what might be out there, how scientists arrive at their findings, and why this research is important to us. Engaging and insightful, Charles Keeton gives everyone an opportunity to be an active learner and listener in our ever-expanding universe.

Watch a video with Charles Keeton:

Watch video now. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc3byXNS1G0).

More books from Rutgers University Press

Cover of the book Narrating Love and Violence by Charles Keeton
Cover of the book Hollywood on Location by Charles Keeton
Cover of the book Constituting Central American–Americans by Charles Keeton
Cover of the book Post-Borderlandia by Charles Keeton
Cover of the book Drawing the Iron Curtain by Charles Keeton
Cover of the book Tough Ain't Enough by Charles Keeton
Cover of the book Transplanting Care by Charles Keeton
Cover of the book Managing Madness in the Community by Charles Keeton
Cover of the book The Douglass Century by Charles Keeton
Cover of the book From Workshop to Waste Magnet by Charles Keeton
Cover of the book Raised at Rutgers by Charles Keeton
Cover of the book Making Sense of the College Curriculum by Charles Keeton
Cover of the book Everyday Desistance by Charles Keeton
Cover of the book Tainted Earth by Charles Keeton
Cover of the book Of Forests and Fields by Charles Keeton
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy