Astrophysical wonders : a conversation with Scott Tremaine. / edited with an introduction by Howard Burton.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Burton, Howard, editor.

Series:

Ideas Roadshow Conversations

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Astronomy.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (57 pages)

Place of Publication:

[Place of publication not identified] : Ideas Roadshow, [2020]

Summary:

This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Scott Tremaine, Professor Emeritus of Astrophysics at the Institute for Advanced Study and an internationally renowned expert in both galactic-scale and planetary-scale astronomy. Topics that are part of this wide-ranging conversation include the process of scientific discovery, in particular related to comets, Pluto, planetary rings, shepherding satellites, exoplanets, chaos theory and the formation, stability and uniqueness of our solar system. Further topics include galactic-scale astronomy, galaxy formation, dark matter, quasars, black holes, the large-scale structure of the universe and many outstanding open questions of contemporary astrophysics. This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, On Butterflies and Fish, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter. Howard Burton was the Founding Director of Canada's Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. He holds a PhD in theoretical physics and an MA in philosophy. This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert in a focused yet informal setting to provide a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks.

Contents:

Intro

A Note on the Text

Introduction

The Conversation

I. Personal Reflections

II. Exoplanetary Insights

III. Puzzles and Solutions

IV. Rings, Comets and Pluto

V. Investigating Stability

VI. Large-scale Issues

VII. Black Holes

VIII. Fundamental Questions

IX. Concluding Thoughts

Continuing the Conversation.

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9781771700894

1771700890

OCLC:

1250083102