Calculating the Cosmos: How Mathematics Unveils the Universe

Astronomy and mathematics have been linked from the golden age of Greece through the present day. Though this volume recounts that history, most of the text can be divided into two main sections: planetary motion and cosmology. In the former, Stewart (mathematics, director, Mathematics Awareness Ctr.; Univ. of Warwick, England) shows how modern theory has modified our image of a Newtonian stable clockwork solar system. Since the equations describing multibody systems are not solvable, they are simulated on computers. These simulations reveal systems that have an amazingly chaotic history and future. The author also relates how chaos theory makes possible the planning of the trajectories of space probes, which have provided immense amounts of new information about the planets. As for cosmology, the book explains what we know about distant galaxies, stars, and exoplanets. Although no equations are used here, certain sections still require some effort on the part of readers—but it's well worth it. Stewart's wry sense of humor adds to this informative yet entertaining read.