Echo of the Big Bang

Book Details

• Author: Michael D. Lemonick

• Brand: Princeton University Press

• Edition: Revised

• Binding: Paperback

• ISBN: 9780691122427

• Number of Pages: 240

• Release Date: 24-04-2005

• Languages: English

• Package Dimensions: 9.0 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches

About The Book

[Book Title] by Michael D. Lemonick tells the fascinating story of the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP), a satellite mission designed to answer some of the deepest questions about the cosmos. Launched in 2001 and collecting data for over a year, WMAP made groundbreaking observations that clarified our understanding of the universe's origins and its evolution.

This revised edition explores the satellite’s quest to read the faint microwave radiation left over from the Big Bang, providing crucial insights into the universe's composition, geometry, and its mysterious dark matter and dark energy. As the WMAP team analyzed the cosmic microwave background (CMB), they uncovered details that forever changed the field of cosmology. The book reveals astonishing findings, such as the universe being 13.7 billion years old, the early formation of stars, and the dominance of dark energy in the universe.

Michael D. Lemonick, with exclusive access to the team, shares both the personal and scientific journey of discovery in a narrative that weaves together history, cutting-edge science, and the people behind the mission. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in cosmology, astronomy, and the ongoing exploration of the universe.