Three Steps to the Universe

If scientists can't touch the Sun, how do they know what it's made of? And if we can't see black holes, how can we be confident they exist? Gravitational physicist David Garfinkle and his brother, science fiction writer Richard Garfinkle, tackle these questions and more in "Three Steps to the Universe", a tour through some of the most complex phenomena in the cosmos and an accessible exploration of how scientists acquire knowledge about the universe through observation, indirect detection, and theory. From the Sun and black holes, the authors lead us further into the unknown, to the dark matter and energy that pervade our universe, where science teeters on the edge of theory and discovery. Returning from the depths of space, the final section of the book brings readers back down to Earth for a final look at the practice of science, ending with a practical guide to discerning real science from pseudoscience among the cacophony of print and online scientific sources. "Three Steps to the Universe" will reward anyone interested in learning more about the universe around us and shows how scientists uncover its mysteries.

ISBN 0226283461   Pages 280 ISBN13 9780226283463 (What's this?)   Volumes 1 Publisher The University of Chicago Press   Weight (grammes) 514 Imprint University of Chicago Press   Published in Chicago, IL Format Hardback   Height (mm) 60 Publication date 14 Nov 2008   Width (mm) 90 Library of Congress 2008008659   Spine width (mm) 21 DEWEY 520   Academic level General DEWEY edition DC22

1		Look, don't touch		17
2		What's that bright thing made of?		33
3		Fusion : energy hidden in plain sight		45
4		Old gravity and new gravity		67
5		Black holes in relativity		85
6		The lives of stars		95
7		Black hole hunting		123
8		Gravitational waves		147
9		Galactic scale		159
10		What is dark matter?		167
11		All the way out		195
12		Dark energy, antigravity, and Einstein's fudge		205
13		Road maps		217
14		Science as it is written		245
		Glossary		261
		Suggestions for further reading		265

"This book is not only an excellent introduction to the Sun, black holes, and dark matter, but also a very good book about the scientific process." - Choice "A fluid, crystalline presentation of how scientists think.... The Garfinkles systematically instill how confident lay readers can be in what they read in the popular-science format." - Booklist "Aside from revealing the science behind the sun, black holes and dark matter, the Garfinkles demonstrate how science develops, encouraging readers always to ask, 'How do they know that?' as a way of understanding science.... The Garfinkles aren't afraid to get technical, but this smart, rewarding read is helped by a welcome voice, a feel for narrative, and a useful glossary." - Publishers Weekly"

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