The book presents a modern understanding of the universe based on relativity, quantum physics and their elusive combination. It introduces the crucial theoretical ingredients in an accessible way, starting from the physics of Newton and developing subsequent theories all the way to the modern enigma of quantum gravity
In his introduction to a revolutionary theory of the cosmos, Martin Bojowald shows how the big bang theory may give way to the big bounce theory, which describes our universe as an eternal series of expansions and contractions, with no beginning and no end. In 2000, Bojowald, then a twenty-seven-year-old postdoctoral student at Pennsylvania State University, used a relatively new theory called loop quantum gravity—a cunning combination of Einstein’s theory of gravity with quantum mechanics—to create a simple model of the universe. Loop quantum cosmology, or LQC, was born, and with it, a theory that managed to do something even Einstein’s general theory of relativity had failed to do—illuminate the very birth of the universe.
The book provides a comprehensive introduction to the physical foundations of quantum cosmology, covering essential topics such as space-time physics, quantum theory, and various approaches to quantum gravity. It serves as a crucial resource for researchers in the field of quantum gravity and astrophysicists who are exploring the fundamental aspects of cosmology, making complex concepts accessible for advanced study.
Exploring the groundbreaking implications of quantum gravity theory, this volume delves into the behavior of black holes and the origins of the universe. It presents accessible models to elucidate complex topics, such as loop quantization, making advanced concepts approachable for readers. The book aims to bridge the gap between theoretical physics and practical understanding, offering insights into the fundamental workings of the cosmos.
Per lungo tempo il big bang è rimasto l'ultima frontiera oltre la quale nessuno studioso osava avventurarsi. Un'anomalia apparentemente inspiegabile, che metteva in crisi persino la teoria della relatività: come poteva un punto senza volume contenere materia ed energia infinite? Il giovane fisico Martin Bojowald ha scosso con le sue ricerche il mondo scientifico, spingendosi molto vicino alla soluzione del problema, e forse anche oltre. La teoria secondo cui il big bang sarebbe il punto di massima compressione di un universo che si contrae per poi liberare la propria energia è una scoperta che mette in discussione tutti i tradizionali modelli cosmologici basati su un ciclo di crescita e discontinuità. Ma cosa accadde davvero? E soprattutto, cosa c'era prima del big bang? Bojowald, senza ricorrere a formule matematiche, offre una spiegazione chiara e affascinante di uno dei misteri della scienza moderna e accompagna il lettore in un viaggio mozzafiato all'origine dell'universo.
Bislang war der 'Urknall' der Anfang des Universums. Doch nun ist es dem jungen deutschen Physiker Martin Bojowald gelungen, Einblick in die Zeit davor zu erhalten. Was war vor dem 'big bang'? Wie sah das Universum aus? Und was bedeutet das für seine Zukunft? Ein spektakuläres Buch, das unsere Vorstellung vom Universum und seinem Anfang revolutioniert.
Una revolucionaria teoría sobre el origen del universo y qué pasó antes del Big Bang. En su conocida obra Historia del tiempo, Stephen Hawking afirmaba que preguntar qué había antes del origen del universo es tan absurdo como preguntar qué hay al norte del polo Norte. Desde Einstein, el big bang era la última frontera que ningún físico se atrevía a cruzar. Incluso para la teoría general de la relatividad ese punto es considerado una singularidad que no se puede calcular y cuyas reglas físicas no están definidas. Es el punto en que comienza para nosotros el universo. Pese a todo ello, seguimos haciéndonos la misma pregunta: ¿Qué había antes del big bang? ¿Cómo nació el universo? El joven físico Martin Bojowald da respuesta gráficamente y sin fórmulas. Sus descubrimientos asombrosos sobre un mundo desconocido y emocionante, con tiempo negativo, inversión de la orientación espacial y un cosmos que se contrae para expandirse después del big bang actualizan viejos modelos cosmológicos sobre los ciclos de expansión y colapso del universo.