The Accelerating Universe: Infinite Expansion, the Cosmological Constant, and the Beauty of the Cosmos 1st Edition, Kindle Edition

A cosmologist and art fanatic, Mario Livio, elegantly tells the general reader about the recent observational finding that the expansion of the universe is speeding up contrary to the long-held belief of slowing-down expansion. He stresses the effect of this finding on the beauty of the fundamental theory of the universe; or rather the central theme of the book is that beauty.Livio clearly explains his requirements for the beauty in physical and cosmological theories: symmetry, simplicity, and the Copernican principle (we are nothing special). According to the author, the tentative discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe poses a frightening challenge to the beauty of the final theory by raising difficult questions about the non-zero value of the cosmological constant (or the energy of the vacuum). From the viewpoint of the Copernican principle Livio rejects resorting to the anthropic principle for giving a quick answer to those questions. The story told about the recent finding of extrasolar planets is intriguing and helps strengthen the basis of the expanding Copernican principle.The book is so good that I am tempted to write all of its minor deficiencies I have noticed: The explanation of the inflationary model is not very understandable as the author himself admits in the book. The author's bottom line for Carter's argument about the rarity of extraterrestrial intelligent civilization is rather confusing, because the latter's argument seems simply wrong due to the contradiction of his conclusion to his two-possibility reasoning, aside from the dubiousness of his crucial assumption at the start. In the last chapter Livio writes about Wheeler's view of the participatory universe, but its distinction from the anthropic principle, if any, is not made clear. The first name of the Japanese physicist and cosmologist Katsuhiko Sato is misprinted as Katsuoko. It would have been much better to include bibliography of the books cited and the photographs of many paintings referred to.

Theoretical scientists are usually the engine behind new discoveries, which leaves the burden of proof to others who deal with the real world. The discoveries of 1998 have turned the situation around in cosmology for the first time in many years. Observation has shaken the foundation of theoretical physics and leapt into the lead. When this happens you have to retrench to original tenets and start building again, since your former building of thought has collapsed around you. In that, Livio's solution of defining beauty in a theory as three basic assumptions from which to build, falls exactly on the mark. I liked particularly the insights into Einstein's theories and how they actually help explain the possibility of negative gravity. I missed a good account of the supernova 1A discovery which made possible the expansion observations, but if you are an informed layperson who wants to experience the suject of expansion, this is your book. The success does not continue, however, when theology is brought in the ecuation. That subject is for other areas of human endeavor and cosmologists are as bad as any other scientist when crossing over. All in all, this is a great book and will give you a good understanding of the new cosmology.

It is amazing that there are so many cosmology books being written, since the subject is so complex. However, Livio makes the subject compelling. If you haven't picked up a popular cosmology book recently, you will be astounded with the recent developments. This books is a great review of contemporary cosmological thinking. It is clear and compelling, without talking down to the reader. The author is kind enough to suggest additional resources if a particular topic strikes your fancy (or leaves you totally baffled). In short, a jaw dropper!

Pure beauty. This is a remarkable piece of knowledge. It summarizes the human knowledge of physics by year ~2000. Wonderful read.

Well written and understandable to lay person.

Great condition

I can't recommend this book at all: it was very disappointing. I bought it because I wanted an explanation of the data and reasoning behind the relatively recent discovery that the rate of expansion of the universe is accelerating. The topic for which I bought the book was not treated at all, other than a quick mention. If you're looking for cosmology and physics you wont' find it here: you're much better off with a book by someone like Jim Peebles.The title is very misleading. The book seems to be an excuse for the author to expound his ideas about "beauty" shaping physical theory. His claim that the beauty we appreciate in art is the same beauty that helps us pick good theories. As someone who takes great pleasure in all the arts and also has long experience with mathematics and physics I found his argument unconvincing. The beauty is great art is founded in rich symbolism and affective empathy. The beauty in mathematics and physics is founded in elegance and simplicity. It's unfortunate that we don't have separate words in English for the two kinds of beauty.If you're looking for a book about the Accelerating Universe this definitely isn't it.

The scientific material is a great introduction to astrophysics; but I didn't care much for the 'beauty' part of this book.

Loved it