Into the Unknown: The Quest to Understand the Mysteries of the Cosmos

by Kelsey Johnson

Overview

A leading astronomer and gifted teacher takes readers on a wondrous tour—"perfect for anyone who enjoyed Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" (Publishers Weekly)—of how science confronts the big questions about the origins, destiny, and fundamental nature of our universe
 
Humans have learned a lot about the world around us and the universe beyond. We have made powerful insights and created profound theories about the universe and everything in it. Surely the ultimate theory must be waiting, just beyond our current knowledge.
 
Well, maybe. In Into the Unknown, astrophysicist Kelsey Johnson takes us to the edge of scientific understanding about the universe: What caused the Big Bang? What happens inside black holes? Are there other dimensions? She doesn’t just celebrate what we know but rather what we don’t, and asks what it means if we never find that knowledge. Exploring the convergence of science, philosophy, and theology, Johnson argues we must reckon with possibilities—including those that may be beyond human comprehension. The very places where we run smack into total ignorance are the places where the most important questions—about the philosophy of knowledge, the nature of our cosmos, and even the existence of God—await.
 
As accessible as it is profound, Into the Unknown invites each of us to join in the great quest for knowledge.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781541604360
Publisher:	Basic Books
Publication date:	10/15/2024
Pages:	416
Sales rank:	134,379
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 9.65(h) x 1.38(d)

About the Author

Kelsey Johnson is a professor of astronomy at the University of Virginia, former president of the American Astronomical Society, and founder of the award-winning Dark Skies, Bright Kids program. She has won numerous awards for her research, teaching, and promotion of science literacy. She lives in rural Virginia with her family, including two very large dogs.

Editorial Reviews

★ 08/19/2024

In this mind-bending inquiry, Johnson (Constellations for Kids), an astronomy professor at the University of Virginia, investigates unanswered questions about the universe. Surveying theories of “what caused the Big Bang,” Johnson explains that some scientists have proposed our universe was “created inside of a supermassive black hole formed in a parent universe,” while others, following the precepts of string theory, suggest our universe may have arisen from the collision of other universes suspended in a higher dimension. The difficulty of proving such theories means scientists must often settle for ruling out alternatives, Johnson writes, explaining that physicists no longer think neutrinos or black holes could constitute dark matter because calculations have revealed neither are abundant enough to account for dark matter’s gravitational effects. (The most likely culprits include hypothetical particles of gravitational energy capable of moving between dimensions.) Elsewhere, she discusses how debates over whether the laws of nature “could not have been otherwise” raise thorny metaphysical questions about free will. Heady ideas jump off nearly every page, and Johnson has a talent for describing them in breezy, conversational prose. This is perfect for anyone who enjoyed Astrophysics for People in a Hurry. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

A mind-bending inquiry… Heady ideas jump off nearly every page, and Johnson has a talent for describing them in breezy, conversational prose. This is perfect for anyone who enjoyed Astrophysics for People in a Hurry.”—Publishers Weekly

“A delightful conversation with a brilliant explorer of the magic of our universe—how we found out, how she found out, what it means for us all, and above all, what we really don’t know or can’t possibly know, except maybe sometimes. Physics, astronomy, metaphysics, origin of life, extraterrestrials, all with wicked humor. You won’t forget this one!”—John Mather, Nobel laureate

"Johnson takes us on a delightful journey through all the big questions that modern astronomy and cosmology evoke. Her refreshing humility recognizes that reason and experiment alone cannot adequately address all aspects of the cosmos and our existence—those pinnacles where science, religion, and philosophy converge.”—Jennifer Wiseman, astrophysicist and Director Emeritus, American Association for the Advancement of Science Program of Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion

“This book is tremendous. Johnson asks all the big questions. Are we alone in the universe? What is the meaning of time? Are there hidden dimensions? Johnson is always accurate and never dumbs down, yet her writing is so smooth, so light, that it’s never hard to follow. If you want to tickle your imagination with all the stuff we still don’t know, read this book!”—Antonio Padilla, author of Fantastic Numbers and Where to Find Them

“This groundbreaking book takes the reader on an adventure that explores the questions many scientists are afraid to ask. It will stand as a roadmap for the future of our field.”—Stephon Solomon Alexander, author of The Jazz of Physics

From the Publisher