Jayant Vishnu Narlikar

This introductory textbook describes modern cosmology at a level suitable for advanced undergraduates who are familiar with mathematical methods and basic theoretical physics. An introductory survey of the large scale structure of the universe is followed by an outline of general relativity. This is then used to construct the standard models of the universe. The very early and early stages of the Big Bang are described, and this includes primordial nucleosynthesis, grand unified theories, primordial black holes, and the era of quantum cosmology. The problem of the formation of structure in the universe is then addressed. This textbook concludes with brief outlines of alternative cosmologies. It includes 400 problems for students to solve, and is accompanied by numerous worked examples.

"General relativity is now an essential part of undergraduate and graduate courses in physics, astrophysics and applied mathematics. This simple, user-friendly introduction to relativity is ideal for a first course in the subject. Beginning with a comprehensive but simple review of special relativity, the book creates a framework from which to launch the ideas of general relativity. After describing the basic theory, it moves on to describe important applications to astrophysics, black hole physics, and cosmology. Several worked examples, and numerous figures and images, help students appreciate the underlying concepts. There are also 180 exercises which test and develop students' understanding of the subject. The textbook presents all the necessary information and discussion for an elementary approach to relativity. Password-protected solutions to the exercises are available to instructors at www.cambridge.org/9780521735612"--Provided by publisher.

The serenity of a clear night sky belies the evidence - gathered by balloons, rockets, satellites, and telescopes - that the universe contains centers of furious activity that pour out vast amounts of energy, some in regular cycles and some in gigantic bursts. This reader-friendly book, acclaimed by Nature as "excellent and uncompromising," traces the development of modern astrophysics and its explanations of these startling celestial fireworks. This lively narrative ranges from the gravitational theories of Newton and Einstein to recent exciting discoveries of such violent phenomena as supernovae, pulsars, X-ray sources, active galaxies, radio sources, and quasars. An in-depth exploration of the Big Bang covers both conventional theory and subsequent issues that cast doubt upon its explanation of the birth of the universe. Several appendixes offer supplements to the text's main topics, and a helpful glossary and tables of references appear at the end.

"This book conveys the thrill of observing strange and surprising features of the universe and the satisfaction gained by understanding them through modern science." "Using simple analogies and a wealth of illustrations, Professor Narlikar skilfully steers us through a cosmic journey of discovery, starting from the Earth and solar system and stepping out to the farthest reaches of the universe. Each of the seven wonders represents a range of mysterious phenomena or a class of spectacular events or remarkable cosmic objects that have challenged human curiosity and often defied explanation."--Jacket.

New challenges in astronomy, Oriya version of the speech delivered at Bhubaneswar on 2/22/1994 as 2nd Binode Kanungo memorial lecture.

Gravity is the most enigmatic of all known basic forces in nature. Yet it controls everything from the motion of ocean tides to the expansions of the entire Universe. Many books use technical jargon and high-powered maths to explain what gravity is all about. In The lighter side of gravity, the presentation is beautifully clear and completely nontechnical. Familiar analogies, interesting anecdotes, and numerous illustrations are used throughout to get across subtle effects and difficult points. The coverage is, however, comprehensive and makes no compromise with accuracy. This second edition has been brought completely up to date and expanded to include the discovery of gigantic gravitational lenses in space, the findings of the COBE satellite, the detection of MACHOs, the investigation of the very early Universe, and other new ideas in cosmology. In short, this lucid and stimulating book presents 'the lighter side' of the intriguing phenomena of 'gravity' to the student and general reader.