Martin Rees Books

"Universe reveals space in all its awe-inspiring wonder"--Jacket.

Exceptional full-color photographs representing the latest captures from space telescopes and detailed digital artwork enhance a comprehensive study of the world of outer space, from Earth's closest neighbors in the solar system to the farthest galaxies, documenting the planets, their moons, stars, galaxies, supernovas, and other celestial phenomena.

Our universe appears remarkably "biophilic," raising questions about whether this is mere chance, divine design, or coincidence. Cosmologist Martin Rees delves into this inquiry, reflecting on Einstein's question of whether God could have created the world differently. The book investigates the implications of a "yes" answer, proposing that our universe may be part of a vast "multiverse" where most other universes are devoid of life. In this view, the laws of nature are merely local regulations established post-Big Bang, suggesting our universe is a unique haven for life. Rees examines our solar system and addresses related topics, including the likelihood of life and the credibility of the Big Bang theory. He contemplates the long-term future of the cosmos and traces its origins back to a singularity. He grapples with the paradox of a universe that spans 10 billion light-years emerging from an infinitesimal point. Rees posits that we might already sense the existence of other universes, yet the multiverse concept's viability hinges on understanding the fundamental nature of space and time at scales far smaller than atoms, governed by quantum gravity. This exploration of the cosmos will captivate both scientists and general readers intrigued by the universe we inhabit.

In this exploration of our relationshop with the universe, the authors search for the grand design of the universe and the meaning of the so-called coincidences that allow life to exist on our planet. They present the latest advances in understanding of the nature of dark matter, explore mini and massive black holes, brown dwarfs and novel forms of matter such as quarks and quark nuggets. They discuss the search for a unified theory of all the particles and forces of nature: cosmic strings, superstrings and the possibility of a theory of everything. The authors also speculate on the possibility of the existence of other universes and of other intelligent life in our own.

A scientist known for unraveling the complexities of the universe over millions of years, Sir Rees now warns that humankind is potentially the maker of its own demise--and that of the cosmos. With clarity and precision, he maps out the ways technology could destroy the species and foreclose the potential of a living universe whose evolution has just begun

There has never been a time when ‘following the science’ has been more important for humanity. At no other point in history have we had such advanced knowledge and technology at our fingertips, nor had such astonishing capacity to determine the future of our planet. But the decisions we must make on how science is applied belong outside the lab and should be the outcome of wide public debate. For that to happen, science needs to become part of our common culture. Science is not just for scientists: if it were, it could never save us from the multiple crises we face. For science can save us, if its innovations mesh carefully into society and its applications are channelled for the common good. As Martin Rees argues in this expert and personal analysis of the scientific endeavour on which we all depend, we need to think globally, we need to think rationally and we need to think long-term, empowered by twenty-first-century technology but guided by values that science alone cannot provide.

Astronomer Royal Martin Rees shows how the behaviour and origins of the universe can be explained by just six numbers.

Humanity stands at a pivotal moment, facing existential risks in a rapidly changing world. While a range of outcomes—both positive and negative—are possible, our current approach is marred by short-term thinking, divisive debates, alarmist rhetoric, and pessimism. In this engaging book, renowned scientist and bestselling author Martin Rees emphasizes that our future hinges on a shift in how we plan for tomorrow. The fate of humanity is intertwined with the future of science and our ability to leverage technological advancements to tackle pressing challenges. To harness science effectively, we must adopt a rational, global, collective, and optimistic perspective focused on the long term. Innovations in biotechnology, cybertechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence hold the potential to uplift both the developing and developed worlds, addressing threats like climate change and nuclear conflict. Additionally, advancements in space science could enable exploration of the solar system and beyond. However, there is no "Plan B" for Earth; we must prioritize the care of our planet. This accessible book offers intriguing insights into cutting-edge science and technology, appealing to anyone eager to grasp the critical issues shaping humanity's future on Earth and beyond.

This volume presents an unique and accessible synthesis of modern cosmology. In recent years, observational cosmology has made remarkable advances, bringing into sharper focus a new set of fundamental questions that Martin Rees addresses in this book. Why is the universe expanding the way it is? What were the 'seeds' that caused galaxies, clusters and superclusters to form? What is the nature of 'dark matter'? What happened in the very early universe? The latest exciting advances and theories are discussed, while maintaining a clear distinction between aspects that now have a firm empirical basis and those that remain speculative.