Davies Paul. What's Eating the Universe? And Other Cosmic Questions

The University of Chicago Press, 2021. — 208 p. — ISBN 978-0-226-81629-6.Combining the latest scientific advances with storytelling skills unmatched in the cosmos, an award-winning astrophysicist and popular writer leads us on a tour of some of the greatest mysteries of our universe.In the constellation of Eridanus there lurks a cosmic mystery: It’s as if something has taken a huge bite out of the universe. But what is the culprit? The hole in the universe is just one of many puzzles keeping cosmologists busy. Supermassive black holes, bubbles of nothingness gobbling up space, monster universes swallowing others—these and many other bizarre ideas are being pursued by scientists. Due to breathtaking progress in astronomy, the history of our universe is now better understood than the history of our own planet. But these advances have uncovered some startling riddles. In this electrifying new book, renowned cosmologist and author Paul Davies lucidly explains what we know about the cosmos and its enigmas, exploring the tantalizing—and sometimes terrifying—possibilities that lie before us.As Davies guides us through the audacious research offering mind-bending solutions to these and other mysteries, he leads us up to the greatest outstanding conundrum of all: Why does the universe even exist in the first place? And how did a system of mindless, purposeless particles manage to bring forth conscious, thinking beings? Filled with wit and wonder, What’s Eating the Universe? is a dazzling tour of cosmic questions, sure to entertain, enchant, and inspire us all.Journey from the Edge of Time
The Search for the Key to the Universe
Why is It Dark at Night?
The Big Bang
Where is the Centre of the Universe?
Why the Cosmos is Actually Fairly Simple
What is the Speed of Space?
What is the Shape of Space?
Explaining the Cosmic Big Fix
Most of Our Universe is Missing
What is Dark Energy?
Where Does Matter Come From?
Gravity Conquers All
Warped Time and Black Holes
Is Time Travel Possible?
What is the Source of Time’s Puzzling Arrow?
The Black Hole Paradox
A Theory of Everything?
Fossils from the Cosmic Dawn
Can the Universe Come from Nothing?
How Many Universes Are There?
The Goldilocks Enigma
What’s Eating the Universe?
Is the Universe Actually a Botched Job?
Are We Alone?
Is ET in Our Backyard?
Why Am I Living Now?
The Fate of Our Universe
Is There a Meaning to It All?
What’s New on the Cosmic Horizon?