Im Alter von 21 Jahren hat W. Pauli einen Handbuchartikel zur Relativitatstheorie verfasst, der bis heute gelesen und zitiert wird. Er ist wohl der beruhmteste Text zum Thema und wurde nicht zuletzt von A. Einstein begeistert gewurdigt. Die vorliegende Neuausgabe enthalt den Originalartikel sowie weitere, teilweise recht ausfuhrliche Erganzungen, die Pauli im Jahre 1956 fur die englische Ausgabe schrieb. Eine Reihe von Anmerkungen des Herausgebers dienen daruber hinaus als Lesehilfen und zeigen Verbindungen zu modernen Entwicklungen auf."

Dieses Buch ist bis heute eine der popularsten Darstellungen der Relativitatstheorie geblieben. In der vorliegenden Version haben J. Ehlers und M. Poessel vom Max-Planck-Institut fur Gravitationsphysik (Albert-Einstein-Institut) in Golm/Potsdam den Bornschen Text kommentiert und einen den anschaulichen, aber prazisen Stil Borns wahrendes, umfangreiches Erganzungskapitel hinzugefugt, das die sturmische Entwicklung der Relativiatatstheorie bis hin zu unseren Tagen nachzeichnet. Eingegangen wird auf Gravitationswellen und Schwarze Loecher, auf neuere Entwicklungen der Kosmologie, auf Ansatze zu einer Theorie der Quantengravitation und auf die zahlreichen raffinierten Experimente, welche die Gultigkeit der Einsteinschen Theorie mit immer groesserer Genauigkeit bestatigt haben. Damit bleibt dieses Buch nach wie vor einer der unmittelbarsten Zugange zur Relativitatstheorie fur alle die sich fur eine uber das rein popularwissenschaftliche hinausgehende Einfuhrung interessieren.

A world-renowned astrophysicist takes us through the huge, unfolding history of the universe The night sky is an endless source of wonder and mystery. For thousands of years it has been at the heart of scientific and philosophical inquiry, from the first star catalogues etched into ancient Mesopotamian clay tablets to the metres-wide telescopes constructed in Chile's Atacama Desert today. On a clear night it is hard not to look up and pick out familiar constellations, and to think of the visionary minds who pioneered our understanding of what lies beyond. In this thrilling new guide to our Universe and how it works, Professor of Astrophysics Jo Dunkley reveals how it only becomes more beautiful and exciting the more we discover about it. With warmth and clarity, Dunkley takes us from the very basics - why the Earth orbits the Sun, and how our Moon works - right up to massive, strange phenomena like superclusters, quasars, and the geometry of spacetime. As she does so, Dunkley unfurls the history of humankind's heroic journey to understand the history and structure of the cosmos, revealing the extraordinary, little-known stories of astronomy pioneers including Williamina Fleming, Vera Rubin and Jocelyn Bell Burnell. Illuminating and uplifting, this is your essential guide to the biggest subject of all.

The Fourth Edition ofIntroduction to Cosmology provides a concise, authoritative study of cosmology at an introductory level. Starting from elementary principles and the early history of cosmology, the text carefully guides the student on to curved spacetimes, special and general relativity, gravitational lensing, the thermal history of the Universe, and cosmological models, including extended gravity models, black holes and Hawking's recent conjectures on the not-so-black holes. Introduction to Cosmology, Fourth Edition includes: * New theoretical approaches and in-depth material on observational astrophysics and expanded sections on astrophysical phenomena * Illustrations throughout and comprehensive references with problems at the end of each chapter and a rich index at the end of the book * Latest observational results from WMAP9, ACT, and Planck, and all cosmological parameters have been brought up to date. This text is invaluable for undergraduate students in physics and astrophysics taking a first course in cosmology. Extensively revised, this latest edition extends the chapter on cosmic inflation to the recent schism on eternal inflation and multiverses. Dark matter is discussed on galaxy and cluster scales, and dark matter candidates are presented, some requiring a five-dimensional universe and several representing various types of exotica. In the context of cosmic structures the cold dark matter paradigm is described. Dark energy models include the cosmological constant, quintessence and other single field models, f(R) models and models requiring extra dimensions.

Professor Stephen Hawking is generally considered to have been one of the world's greatest thinkers. Here, his phenomenal bestseller A Brief History of Time is illustrated to bring his theories to life in a clear, captivating and visually engaging way. 'This book marries a child's wonder to a genius's intellect. We journey into Hawking's universe, while marvelling at his mind' - The Sunday Times 'Stephen Hawking can explain the complexities of cosmological physics with an engaging combination of clarity and wit...' - Observer 'Exceptional writing explaining the mysteries and beauty of our universe. The book is very fascinating and highly enjoyable. Highly recommended' - ***** Reader review 'This book is mind blowing' - ***** Reader review 'A masterpiece' - ***** Reader review ******************************************************************************************** Was there a beginning of time? Could time run backwards? Is the universe infinite or does it have boundaries? These are just some of the questions considered in the internationally acclaimed masterpiece by the world-renowned physicist Professor Stephen Hawking. It begins by reviewing the great theories of the cosmos from Newton to Einstein, before delving into the secrets which still lie at the heart of space and time, from the Big Bang to black holes, via spiral galaxies and strong theory. To this day A Brief History of Time remains a staple of the scientific canon, and its succinct and clear language continues to introduce millions to the universe and its wonders. In this edition, Professor Hawking explains his complex theories through a fresh visual dimension. Over 150 stunning colour illustrations have been specially commissioned for this purpose to help the reader understand what have become popular mythic images of our century, but which nonetheless remain difficult, abstract ideas to grasp. This stunning gift edition also includes a new appendix with updates to the text and tributes to Stephen Hawking.

Il libro e basato sulle lezioni attualmente tenute dall'autore presso l'Universita di Bari, ed e progettato in modo da rappresentare un testo di riferimento il piu possibile moderno, completo e autosufficiente per i corsi semestrale di Cosmologia, Astrofisica o Fisica Astroparticellare che compaiono nel piano di studi della Laurea Magistrale in Fisica e in Astronomia. Contiene gli elementi di base della cosmologia relativistica, del modello cosmologico standard e del suo completamento inflazionario. E' organizzato per servire da traccia ad un corso di cosmologia di stampo teorico, ma cerca di non perdere mai di vista il confronto con i principali risultati osservativi: molta attenzione viene infatti dedicata alla fenomenologia dei fondi cosmici, e in particolare alla radiazione gravitazionale fossile perche la sua rivelazione, diretta o indiretta, potrebbe dare indicazioni cruciali sulla scelta del corretto modello per l'Universo primordiale. Non mancano infine alcuni accenni ad argomenti di interesse emergente, di tipo teorico-fenomenologico, come lo studio dell'effetto di "deriva" del redshift, la cosmologia delle membrane, e il problema delle medie cosmologiche fatte su ipersuperfici spaziali (o nulle) non omogenee."

The study of exoplanetary atmospheres--that is, of planets orbiting stars beyond our solar system--may be our best hope for discovering life elsewhere in the universe. This dynamic, interdisciplinary field requires practitioners to apply knowledge from atmospheric and climate science, astronomy and astrophysics, chemistry, geology and geophysics, planetary science, and even biology. Exoplanetary Atmospheres provides an essential introduction to the theoretical foundations of this cutting-edge new science. Exoplanetary Atmospheres covers the physics of radiation, fluid dynamics, atmospheric chemistry, and atmospheric escape. It draws on simple analytical models to aid learning, and features a wealth of problem sets, some of which are open-ended. This authoritative and accessible graduate textbook uses a coherent and self-consistent set of notation and definitions throughout, and also includes appendixes containing useful formulae in thermodynamics and vector calculus as well as selected Python scripts. Exoplanetary Atmospheres prepares PhD students for research careers in the field, and is ideal for self-study as well as for use in a course setting. * The first graduate textbook on the theory of exoplanetary atmospheres* Unifies knowledge from atmospheric and climate science, astronomy and astrophysics, chemistry, planetary science, and more* Covers radiative transfer, fluid dynamics, atmospheric chemistry, and atmospheric escape* Provides simple analytical models and a wealth of problem sets* Includes appendixes on thermodynamics, vector calculus, tabulated Gibbs free energies, and Python scripts* Solutions manual (available only to professors)

From One of the Most Brilliant Minds of Our Time
Comes a Book that Clarifies His Most Important Ideas
Stephen Hawking's worldwide bestseller, A Brief History of Time," " remains one of the landmark volumes in scientific writing of our time. But for years readers have asked for a more accessible formulation of its key concepts--the nature of space and time, the role of God in creation, and the history and future of the universe.
Professor Hawking's response is this new work that will guide nonscientists everywhere in the ongoing search for the tantalizing secrets at the heart of time and space....
Although "briefer," this book is much more than a mere explanation of Hawking's earlier work. A Briefer History of Time both clarifies and expands on the great subjects of the original, and records the latest developments in the field--from string theory to the search for a unified theory of all the forces of physics. Thirty-seven full-color illustrations enhance the text and make A Briefer History of Time an exhilarating and must-have addition in its own right to the great literature of science and ideas.
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Dust is a ubiquitous feature of the cosmos, impinging directly or indirectly on most fields of modern astronomy and astrophysics. Dust in the Galactic Environment, Second Edition provides a thorough overview of the subject, covering general concepts, methods of investigation, important results and their significance, relevant literature, and some suggestions for promising avenues of future research.
Since the publication of the first edition of this popular graduate text, major advances have been made in our understanding of astrophysical dust, especially in the light of exciting new results from space- and ground-based telescopes, together with advances in laboratory astrophysics and theoretical modeling. This new, expanded edition highlights the latest results and provides a context for future research opportunities. The first chapter provides a historical perspective for current research and an overview of interstellar environments and the role of dust in astrophysical processes, followed by a discussion of the cosmic history of the chemical elements expected to be present in dust and an examination of the effect of gas-dust interactions on gas phase abundances. The next several chapters describe the observed properties of interstellar grains, such as their extinction, polarization, absorption, and emission characteristics. Then, the book explores the origin and evolution of dust, tracing its life cycle in a succession of environments from circumstellar shells to diffuse interstellar clouds, molecular clouds, protostars, and protoplanetary disks. The final chapter summarizes progress toward a unified model. Dust in other galaxies is discussed as an integral part of the text rather than as a distinct topic requiring separate chapters.
Containing extensive references and problems to aid understanding and illustrate basic principles, the book is ideally suited for graduate and advanced undergraduate courses. It will also be an invaluable reference for postgraduate students and researchers working in this important field.

PREMIO LETTERARIO GALILEO PER LA DIVULGAZIONE SCIENTIFICA, Padova 2012
SELEZIONE GIURIA SCIENTIFICA

Il piu complesso e ambizioso esperimento scientifico di tutti i tempi e ormai entrato nel vivo, eppure i suoi scopi precisi sono in gran parte sconosciuti al pubblico. Questo libro e una guida chiara e comprensibile per apprezzare le scoperte che avranno luogo al Large Hardon Collider (LHC) del CERN, per conoscere le stupefacenti innovazioni tecnologiche che sono state necessarie per la sua costruzione e per capire le motivazioni scientifiche dell esperimento. Ma e soprattutto uno straordinario viaggio all interno del mondo della fisica delle particelle, un avventura coinvolgente in uno spazio insolito ed enigmatico, un percorso durante il quale il lettore acquistera gli strumenti per comprendere la portata della rivoluzione intellettuale che sta avvenendo. Esiste il misterioso bosone di Higgs? Lo spazio nasconde una supersimmetria o si estende in nuove dimensioni? Come possono le collisioni tra protoni che avvengono nell LHC svelare i segreti dell origine del nostro universo? Queste domande sono affrontate da un esperto del campo che, senza rinunciare al rigore scientifico, presenta una materia altamente complessa, ma affascinante, in termini semplici e con uno stile gradevole e accessibile. L autore non si limita a informare, ma riesce a trasmettere al lettore le emozioni di un fisico alle soglie di una nuova era nella comprensione del mondo in cui viviamo."

Also Available as an eBook

"Krauss weaves a tale that reads as compellingly as a good novel."
-Scientific American

Taking us on a thrilling, millennia-spanning journey through the life of a single oxygen atom, the author of the national bestseller The Physics of Star Trek now traces the history of the cosmos—from the Big Bang to the present... and beyond. Lawrence Krauss writes with grace and wit as he explicates cutting-edge science and reveals the surprising story of matter: what it is, where it came from, and where it's going.

Una moderna presentazione della teoria della Relativita Ristretta, specificatamente progettata per i nuovi corsi della Laurea Triennale in Fisica. Un testo essenziale ma autosufficiente, che adotta lo stile e il linguaggio delle lezioni svolte in aula, e che introduce alle trasformazioni di Lorentz, alla formulazione covariante dell'elettromagnetismo e alle basi della cinematica e dinamica relativistiche. Include una discussione della cinematica dei processi d'urto e una derivazione dettagliata dell'effetto Cherenkov.

Man's view of the universe is widening today, as it did once before in the early days of big telescopes and photographic plates. Modern man, by means of radio, infrared, optical, ultraviolet, and X-ray astronomy, can penetrate the universe to depths never before explored. P.J.E. Peebles has written a pioneering work in this newly defined area of investigation. Intended to bridge the chasm between classical textbooks on cosmology and modern developments, Physical Cosmology serves as a guide to current points of debate in a rapidly changing field. Originally published in 1972. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Will we ever discover a single scientific theory that tells us everything that has happened, and everything that will happen, on every level in the Universe? The quest for the theory of everything - a single key that unlocks all the secrets of the Universe - is no longer a pipe-dream, but the focus of some of our most exciting research about the structure of the cosmos. But what might such a theory look like? What would it mean? And how close are we to getting there?
In New Theories of Everything, John D. Barrow describes the ideas and controversies surrounding the ultimate explanation. Updating his earlier work Theories of Everything with the very latest theories and predictions, he tells of the M-theory of superstrings and multiverses, of speculations about the world as a computer program, and of new ideas of computation and complexity. But this is not solely a book about modern ideas in physics - Barrow also considers and reflects on the philosophical and cultural consequences of those ideas, and their implications for our own existence in the world.
Far from there being a single theory uniquely specifying the constants and forces of nature, the picture today is of a vast landscape of different logically possible laws and constants in many dimensions, of which our own world is but a shadow: a tiny facet of a higher dimensional reality. But this is not to say we should give up in bewilderment: Barrow shows how many rich and illuminating theories and questions arise, and what this may mean for our understanding of our own place in the cosmos.

Brian Greene's The Hidden Reality: Parallel Universes and the Deep Laws of the Cosmos explores our most current scientific understanding of the universe, the 'string theory' that might hold the key to unifying nature's laws, and our continuing quest to know more. There was a time when 'universe' meant all there is. Everything. Yet, as physicist Brian Greene's extraordinary book shows, ours may be just one universe among many, like endless reflections in a mirror. He takes us on a captivating exploration of parallel worlds - from a multiverse where an infinite number of your doppelgangers are reading this sentence, to vast oceans of bubble universes and even multiverses made of mathematics - showing just how much of reality's true nature may be hidden within them. 'If extraterrestrials land tomorrow and demand to know what the human mind is capable of accomplishing ... hand them a copy of this book' The New York Times Book Review 'A writer of exceptional clarity and charm ... every chapter opens level after level of previously unimaginable, mind-expanding realities' Oliver Sacks 'The book serves well as an introduction to the multiverse and will open up many people's eyes' John Gribbin Brian Greene is well known to many fans as a populariser of theoretical physics. He is the author of the bestselling books about string theory, The Elegant Universe, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction, The Fabric of the Cosmos, and The Hidden Reality. Educated at Harvard and Oxford, he has taught at both Harvard and Cornell and has been Professor of Physics and Mathematics at Columbia University since 1996.

Modern physics has revealed a universe that is a much stranger place than we could have imagined, filled with black holes and dark matter and parallel lines meeting in space. And the puzzle at the center of our present understanding of the universe is time.
Now, in The Labyrinth of Time, Michael Lockwood takes the reader on a fascinating journey into the nature of things. A brilliant writer, Lockwood illuminates the philosophical questions about past, present, and future, our experience of time, and the possibility of time travel, in a book that is both challenging and great fun. Indeed, he provides the most careful, lively, and up-to-date introduction to the physics of time and the structure of the universe to be found anywhere in print. He guides us step by step through relativity theory and quantum physics, introducing and explaining the ground-breaking ideas of Newton and Boltzmann, Einstein and Schroedinger, Penrose and Hawking. We zoom in on the behavior of molecules and atoms, and pull back to survey the expansion of the universe. We learn about entropy and gravity, black holes and wormholes, about how it all began and where we are all headed.
Lockwood's aim is not just to boggle the mind but to lead us towards an understanding of the science and philosophy. Things will never seem the same again after a voyage through The Labyrinth of Time.
A model of balance and clarity.
--Paul Davies, Times Higher Education Supplement

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.