Modern Cosmology in Retrospect

This volume recounts the development of modern cosmology, in chapters contributed by many of the leading protagonists. Modern cosmology aims to determine the origin, evolution, and ultimate fate of the universe. It is an area of modern science that has engendered fierce debates that have captured public interest. This is an absorbing account of physical and observational cosmology, the great cosmological debates, important observations and the riddle of the dark matter. The enormous controversy surrounding the Big Bang theory is retold in personal recollections from H. Bondi, W. McCrea, and Fred Hoyle. Next are three chapters on the discovery of cosmic radio waves and the contributions made by radio astronomers to current cosmology. The book concludes with a tribute to some of the pioneers of cosmology. This is fascinating reading for astronomers, professional cosmologists, general physicists, historians, philosophers of science and general readers.