image: Written in an engaging style, the author Ben Moore describes our place in time and space, how we got here and where we are going. He explains how mankind acquired this knowledge starting from the beginning of civilization when the ancient Greeks first began to ask questions about the nature of the world around them. view more
Credit: Springer
New York | Heidelberg, 8 October 2014 Elephants in Space—The Past, Present and Future of Life and the Universe takes us on a journey from the beginning of time to the end of the universe to uncover our origins and reveal our destiny. Written in an engaging style, the author Ben Moore describes our place in time and space, how we got here and where we are going. He explains how mankind acquired this knowledge starting from the beginning of civilization when the ancient Greeks first began to ask questions about the nature of the world around them.
Moore connects astrophysics with subjects as varied as biology, neuroscience and evolution: from the origin of atoms to how stars shine and die, from ants and elephants to space travel and extra-terrestrial life. But as our universe grows older and its stars fade away and stop shining, can life continue for eternity or is all life destined for complete extinction? And what is the purpose of all of this anyway?!
"How do trees defy gravity and suck water from their roots into such high canopies? Why does the Earth spin and orbit the Sun like some kind of mechanised clock? Are we alone in this vast universe or is it filled with life?", Moore asked his father these questions as child. Now he is in charge: "My book is written in the memory of my father, who encouraged me to go to university to find some of the answers to the questions we discussed. It is for anyone who wonders about the world around them and who is interested in its origins. There is still a lot to learn and I will be honest about what we don't understand."
Ben Moore is Professor of Astrophysics at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, and has authored over 200 scientific papers ranging from the origins of planets and galaxies to dark matter and dark energy. After gaining his PhD from the University of Durham, UK, he spent several years as a research fellow in the US. Moore's recent research group at the University of Zurich's Institute for Theoretical Physics simulates the universe using custom built supercomputers. Under his artist name "Professor Moore," he plays guitars with the electro-rock band Milk67 and has recently released a solo album "Escape Velocity."
Ben Moore
Elephants in Space
The Past, Present and Future of Life and the Universe
Springer 2014, XI, 189 p., 13 illus.
Softcover € 34,99 € | £ 19.99 | $ 34.99
ISBN 978-3-319-05671-5
Original German edition published by Kein & Aber, Zürich, 2012
Also available as an eBook
Further Information
Read about the book Elephants in Space
Listen to Ben Moore talk about his book on YouTube
Read about Ben Moore on his website
Journalists can request a review copy of the book.