In Search of the True Universe
The Tools, Shaping, and Cost of Cosmological Thought

This book examines how our understanding of the cosmos advanced rapidly during the twentieth century and identifies factors contributing to this progress.

Martin Harwit (Author)

9781107044067, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 18 November 2013

408 pages, 61 b/w illus. 4 tables
26.2 x 18.5 x 2.2 cm, 1 kg

'The book is well written, presents some familiar themes in a new light as well as some ideas which will be new to many readers, and allows the reader a glimpse behind the scenes which only Harwit could provide … I recommend the book to all interested in the sociology and politics of science or the last hundred years of astrophysics.' The Observatory

Astrophysicist and scholar Martin Harwit examines how our understanding of the cosmos advanced rapidly during the twentieth century and identifies the factors contributing to this progress. Astronomy, whose tools were largely imported from physics and engineering, benefited mid-century from the US policy of coupling basic research with practical national priorities. This strategy, initially developed for military and industrial purposes, provided astronomy with powerful tools yielding access - at virtually no cost - to radio, infrared, X-ray, and gamma-ray observations. Today, astronomers are investigating the new frontiers of dark matter and dark energy, critical to understanding the cosmos but of indeterminate socio-economic promise. Harwit addresses these current challenges in view of competing national priorities and proposes alternative new approaches in search of the true Universe. This is an engaging read for astrophysicists, policy makers, historians, and sociologists of science looking to learn and apply lessons from the past in gaining deeper cosmological insight.

1. The nineteenth century's last five years
Part I. The Import of Theoretical Tools: 2. An overview
3. Conclusions based on principles
4. Conclusions based on a premise
5. Conclusions based on calculations
6. Asking the right questions, accepting limited answers
Part II. A National Plan Shaping the Universe We Perceive: 7. A new order and the new universe it produced
8. Where did the chemical elements arise?
9. Landscapes
10. The evolution of astrophysical theory after 1960
11. Turmoils of leadership
12. Cascades and shocks that shape astrophysics
13. Astrophysical discourse and persuasion
Part III. The Cost of Discerning the True Universe: 14. Organization and functioning of the astronomical community
15. Language and astrophysical stability
16. An economically viable astronomical program
Epilogue.

Subject Areas: Physics [PH], Astronomical observation: observatories, equipment & methods [PGG], Astronomy, space & time [PG], Mathematics & science [P]