In Search of Dark Matter (Springer Praxis Books / Space Exploration)

Book Description

The dark matter problem is one of the most fundamental and profoundly difficult problems in the history of science. Not knowing what makes up most of the mass in the Universe goes to the heart of our understanding of the Universe and our place in it. In Search of Dark Matter is the story of the emergence of the dark matter problem, from the initial 'discovery' of dark matter by Jan Oort to contemporary explanations for the nature of dark matter and its role in the origin and evolution of the Universe.

Written for the intelligent non-scientist and scientist alike, it spans a variety of scientific disciplines, from observational astronomy to particle physics. Concepts that the reader will encounter along the way are at the cutting edge of scientific research. However the themes are explained in such a way that no prior understanding of science beyond a high school education is necessary.

Customer Reviews:

In Search of Dark Matter.......2007-08-04

I found this book to be very informative, up to date, and could be understood by the layman

An EXCELLENT book on Dark Matter.......2007-05-10

This book sets out the evidence for missing matter in the universe in an entertaining yet thorough way. There is virtually no math in the entire book, and yet each subject area is treated fully. I had thought the first evidence for dark matter was star rotation rates in galaxies as set out by Vera Rubin and others. However this book traces the roots of the "something is wrong with our picture of the universe" back to the 1930s and Fritz Zwicky and Jan Oort--two astronomers who could not be more different from each other. And that is another strength of this book--we learn something about Zwicky and Oort without being seriously sidetracked.

"In Search of Dark Matter" strikes a perfect balance between moving the story along (and it does read like a story) and stopping here and there for brief asides about the personalities and milieu involved at the various stages of dark matter research. Finally, alternatives such as MOND theory are discussed. This book is not a deep tome--it is only roughly 150 pages. But it certainly piqued my interest and made me want to find out more. The authors succeed in bringing up most topics assuming little or no background in astronomy, yet don't get mired explaining the basics. A great read!

Excellent Book.......2007-02-22

The book is very well organized and enjoyable to read. Well done!

Ideas and Methods of Supersymmetry and Supergravity: Or a Walk Through Superspace, Revised Edition (Series in High Energy Physics, Cosmology and Gravitation)

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Ideas and Methods of Supersymmetry and Supergravity: Or a Walk Through Superspace, Revised Edition (Series in High Energy Physics, Cosmology and Gravitation)
I.L Buchbinder , and Sergio M. Kuzenko
Manufacturer: Taylor & Francis
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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String Theory in a Nutshell (In a Nutshell)

ASIN: 0750305061

Book Description

Ideas and Methods of Supersymmetry and Supergravity: Or a Walk Through Superspace provides a comprehensive, detailed, and self-contained account of four dimensional simple supersymmetry and supergravity. Throughout the book, the authors cultivate their material in detail with calculations and full discussions of the fundamental ideas and motivations. They develop the subject in its superfield formulations but where appropriate for illustration, analogy, and comparison with conventional field theory, they use the component formulation. The book discusses many subjects that, until now, can only be found in the research literature. In addition, it presents a plethora of new results. Combining classical and quantum field theory with group theory, differential geometry, and algebra, the book begins with a solid mathematical background that is used in the rest of the book. The next chapter covers algebraic aspects of supersymmetry and the concepts of superspace and superfield. In the following chapters, the book presents classical and quantum superfield theory and the superfield formulation of supergravity. A synthesis of results and methods developed in the book, the final chapter concludes with the theory of effective action in curved superspaces. After studying this book, readers should be well prepared to pursue independent research in any area of supersymmetry and supergravity. It will be an indispensable source of reference for advanced graduate students, postdoctoral faculty, and researchers involved in quantum field theory, high energy physics, gravity theory, mathematical physics, and applied mathematics.

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Gravity, Particles and Space-Time

Manufacturer: World Scientific Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 9810226683

Book Description

This volume comprises original and review articles on the frontier problems of the gravitation theory, theoretical and mathematical physics. The volume is dedicated to the memory of Professor Dmitri Ivanenko who made the great contribution to the physical science of the twentieth century.

Conceptual Problems of Quantum Gravity (Einstein Studies)

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Interesting mix of topics

Conceptual Problems of Quantum Gravity (Einstein Studies)

Manufacturer: Birkhauser
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0817634436

Customer Reviews:

Interesting mix of topics.......2006-04-22

This book is a collection of lectures based on talks given at the second Osgood Hill Conference. Although this occurred in 1988 and many advances have been made in quantum gravity (particularly in the two leading candidates, string theory and loop quantum gravity), much of the material in this book is still very relevant. Of course a lot of things aren't covered, like the possible resolutions of black hole information paradox. The book is true to the title, the material is mostly very conceptual, but it is also fairly advanced.

The book opens with an excellent introduction to general issues in quantum gravity, this is the most basic chapter in the book the rest of it is considerably more advanced. Following this there are five major sections: quantum mechanics and measurements, the issue of time, strings, other approaches to quantum gravity and topology and black holes.

At a high level the talks cover issues in quantum mechanics, quantum cosmology and quantum gravity. By and large the discussions don't revolve around specific approaches to quantum gravity, but rather they focus on more general issues such as topology change or decoherence. Two topics stand out as receiving exceptional coverage, quantum cosmology and the problem of time. There is definitely a lot of material that isn't frequently covered.

I found most of the talks to be quite interesting. One of the really nice features of the book is that it often contains the question and answer sessions that followed the talks. Although I liked this book, given the nature of the contents and the price I can't really recommend it for purchase.

Black Hole Physics - Basic Concepts and New Developments (Fundamental Theories of Physics)

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Frolov and Novikov's Black Hole Physics

Black Hole Physics - Basic Concepts and New Developments (Fundamental Theories of Physics)
V. Frolov , and I. Novikov
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Quantum Theory of Fields
Modern Cosmology

ASIN: 0792351460

Book Description

This volume on black holes can be seen as a sequel to Physics of Black Holes, published by Kluwer Academic Publishers in 1989. The authors are recognised experts in their field, and have many years' experience in teaching courses on general relativity and black holes.

Customer Reviews:

Frolov and Novikov's Black Hole Physics.......2000-04-09

I referenced these authors and also Klapdor-Kleingrothaus and Zuber (see my review of their book) in my paper on Quantum Gravity delivered before Professor Kursunoglu's Orbis Scientiae Quantum Gravity conference in December, 1999 (see my review of Kursunoglu). The Editor has summarized the book in his usual excellent way, and here I should just add that there is much material in this book not covered in others, including relationships with 2+1 dimensional quantum gravity (see my review of Carlip, black holes inside monopoles, dilatons, quantum hair, etc. Everyone should buy this book and, if necessary, hire a consultant or tutor to translate it into more simple English.

The Mathematical Theory of Cosmic Strings (Series in High Energy Physics, Cosmology and Gravitation)

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The Mathematical Theory of Cosmic Strings (Series in High Energy Physics, Cosmology and Gravitation)
M.R. Anderson
Manufacturer: Taylor & Francis
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0750301600

Book Description

This book is a comprehensive survey of the current state of knowledge about the dynamics and gravitational properties of cosmic strings treated in the idealized classical approximation as line singularities described by the Nambu-Goto action. The author's purpose is to provide a standard reference to all work that has been published since the mid-1970s and to link this work together in a single conceptual framework and a single notational formalism. A working knowledge of basic general relativity is assumed. The book will be essential reading for researchers and postgraduate students in mathematics, theoretical physics, and astronomy interested in cosmic strings.

Problem Book in Relativity and Gravitation

Average customer rating:

Good book
Understanding Einstein Thorey of Gravitation

Problem Book in Relativity and Gravitation
A. Lightman , and R. H. Price
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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A First Course in General Relativity
Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity
General Relativity
Gravitation (Physics Series)
Gravity: An Introduction to Einstein's General Relativity

ASIN: 069108162X

Book Description

In their solutions, the authors have attempted to convey a mode of approach to these kinds of problems, revealing procedures that can reduce the labor of calculations while avoiding the pitfall of too much or too powerful formalism. Although well suited for individual use, the volume may also be used with one of the modern textbooks in general relativity.

Customer Reviews:

Good book.......2007-09-10

I found it very helpful for my General Relativity course. There is really nothing else like this out there ... and for those of us that learn best by example, this book is a bargain.

Understanding Einstein Thorey of Gravitation.......2000-05-26

This is a capital book for all the Physics students, it give a good overview of the theory through a huge set of problems of the main parts in the theory. Good exercices and understandable solutions, that will make you easier the way to understand General relativity. I think this book has the key to fully understand Einstein gravitation. A good choose !

Gravitation: From the Hubble Length to the Planck Length (Studies in High Energy Physics, Cosmology and Gravitation)

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Gravitation: From the Hubble Length to the Planck Length (Studies in High Energy Physics, Cosmology and Gravitation)

Manufacturer: Taylor & Francis
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0750309482

Book Description

Although gravity is the dominant force of nature at large distances (from intermediate scales to the Hubble length), it is the weakest of forces in particle physics, though it is believed to become important again at very short scales (the Planck length). The conditions created in particle accelerators are similar to those at the time of the early universe. While particle physics offers insight to early universe physics, there is a need to understand gravity at extremes of large and short distances to further understand cosmology and the development of the universe. Gravitation: From the Hubble Length to the Planck Length fulfills this need by providing an overview of relativistic astrophysics, early universe physics, cosmology, and their interface with particle physics. Written by international experts, this reference presents up-to-date information on classical relativity, astrophysics, and theoretical and experimental particle physics. The introduction sets the scene and provides a context for the remaining chapters. Chapters cover an extensive array of topics, from refined experimental techniques in gravitational physics to cosmology and the quantum frontier. The book concludes with a discussion of the connection among particles, fields, strings, and branes. This compilation shows how gravity plays a fundamental role in astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology by exploring domains from the microscopic, such as black holes, to superclusters of galaxies that form the large-scale texture of the present-day cosmos. Moreover, with its theoretical and experimental focus on the foundations of gravity, Gravitation proves to be an invaluable resource for current and future research.

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Amazing - Not for beginners
Two books in one
Authoritative and comprehensive
Gravitation by Misner Thorne and Wheeler
Great book but you better be ready for a challenge

Gravitation (Physics Series)
Kip S. Thorne , Charles W. Misner , John Archibald Wheeler , John Wheeler , and Kip Thorne
Manufacturer: W. H. Freeman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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A First Course in General Relativity
General Relativity
Exploring Black Holes: Introduction to General Relativity
Spacetime and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity
Problem Book in Relativity and Gravitation

ASIN: 0716703440

Customer Reviews:

Amazing - Not for beginners.......2007-05-19

As a child I used to ask my father "Does space go on forever? And if it doesn't, what is on the otherside??' My father of course had no idea. It has since been a subtle quest of mine to fine answers to these questions. I, as well as every person on this planet, have heard Einstein's name thousands of times while growing up. He is a legend; having been dead for several decades still his face is on a poster in every mathematics room I've ever entered.
But, though I've known his name since I was 3, I did not learn what it was that made him so special, or what E=MC^2 means until I was 18 years old. In my opinion, special and general relativity should be taught to every preschooler until this aspect of the universe BECOMES intuitive.

Anyways, to the book. Having only a small background in calculus (Calc I, II and multivariable calculus) and having never taken an advanced physics class past newtonian mechanics with calculus applications, I do not have the skills necessary to decipher this book - but I do not intend to put it down until I have deciphered it and understand every bit of it.

In order to learn this book, one MUST have mastered differential calculus (differential equations); without it you will find yourself lost. Also, a background in Relativity is a must. A small background will get you by - read The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene. And then you may tackle this beast. If you complete this book, you may consider yourself one of maybe half a percent of the world who truely understands Einstein's amazing accomplishments and you will understand why it is that his face is the face you have come to know as the stereotypical mad scientist.

Two books in one.......2007-02-14

The Author attempts the very remarkable objective of satisfying everybody's needs in one single book. For that purpose the book is divided into track 1 and track 2 sections. Unfortunately, this attempt is, in my opinion, not completely successful. Advanced GR readers will surely find too many trivial topics in the book, while beginners will have difficulties even with track 1 pages. My review will provide the advanced beginner's point of view. I read all track 1 sections and a few track 2 at the beginning of the book.

The first part of the book where geometrical objects, one forms and tensors are described is very pedagogical. However, as more advanced topics are introduced you are left with the unease feeling that something important is left behind. The answer is clear, what is missing is track 2 contents, but track 2 are much more difficult to read. By reading just track 1 sections you are led too fast to the deeper results of GR. The treatment is too superficial and a lot of results are taken for granted; or referred to track 2 pages.

There are a lot of exercises and examples in the book. However, few exercises are solved and the examples frequently refer to sideways difficult physical topics, surely not meant to clarify the main text.

The huge size of the book adds up to its reading difficulties. It is heavy and overwhelming. I usually try to reduce costs by choosing paperback editions, but the size of this book could justify a hardcover version.

In summary I must say this is not a book for beginners. I found its writing style confusing and my knowledge in GR was little improved by reading track 1 sections. To my discharge I must say I read without difficulties Foster & Nightingale's and Carroll's but could not get through Wald's. My recommendation would be to start with Foster's, then continue with Carrols's and next, what's next? Misner's is surely not a good third step.

The book may be more appropriate for advanced students. I intend to follow the author's suggestions and make a second reading including the most interesting track 2 sections.

Authoritative and comprehensive.......2007-01-08

Still very useful as a reference, but frustrating for beginners, because the book is far too verbose and assumes a certain mind-set. The authors mix the physical and mathematical notation of differential geometry, but it is doubtful if a reader mainly interested in physics will benefit from the latter. In short, MTW is good for in-depth treatment and competence, but to get started, for example the book by d'Inverno is far more efficient. Also, for the price you should get a properly bound book...

Gravitation by Misner Thorne and Wheeler .......2006-09-08

This book in my opinion is the greatest book ever written by mankind.

Great book but you better be ready for a challenge.......2006-06-08

I bought this book because I briefly scanned through it in a library. Wheeler and Thorne have both written terrific books on general relativity so bought the book because I have had a retirement project of learning general relativity and quantum mechanics at a level considerably above the usual popularization; but Gravitation went a bit too far for me. I had to drop back and pick up some more introductory texts in order to go to chapter 2. I still intend to work through the book and it is one of the standard graduate school texts so I rate it highly -- with the qualification that you need to be pretty motivated or have a good Physics background to use it.

Neutrino Physics (High Energy Physics, Cosmology and Gravitation)

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Neutrino Physics (High Energy Physics, Cosmology and Gravitation)
Kai Zuber
Manufacturer: Taylor & Francis
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0750307501

Book Description

Neutrino physics remains one of the most exciting fields of fundamental physics today. The neutrino's position at the intersection of particle physics, astrophysics, and nuclear physics ensures continuing interest in the subject. Major activities at accelerators like Fermilab, KEK and CERN, in addition to underground facilities like Gran Sasso, Kamioka and Sudbury, continue to enhance our understanding of the origins and properties of neutrinos, and their implications for the Standard Model and cosmology. Neutrino Physics provides an up to date and comprehensive introduction to the subject as well as an invaluable resource for researchers in physics and astrophysics. Starting with a brief historical overview the author proceeds to review fundamental neutrino properties, the neutrino mass question, and their place within and beyond the Standard Model. The final chapters examine the role of neutrinos in modern astroparticle physics, cosmology and the dark matter problem. The book concludes with a summary of the current status of neutrino physics and the implications of recent results. Written to be accessible to readers from different backgrounds in nuclear, particle or astrophysics and with a detailed reference list, this title will be essential for any researcher or advanced student who needs to understand modern neutrino physics.

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