Splinters of infinity : cosmic rays and the clash of two Nobel-winning scientists over the secrets of creation / Mark Wolverton.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Wolverton, Mark, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Cosmic rays--Research--History.

Cosmic rays.

Cosmology.

Millikan, Robert Andrews, 1868-1953.

Millikan, Robert Andrews.

Compton, Arthur Holly, 1892-1962.

Compton, Arthur Holly.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (279 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, Massachusetts : The MIT Press, [2024]

Summary:

"Splinters of Infinity is set in a paradigm-shattering era of physics and science, as a series of rapid-fire discoveries and new ideas completely upend humanity's conception of the universe. Among these revolutions, America's two foremost physicists, Robert Millikan and Arthur Compton, find themselves locked in an intense, often deeply personal, conflict about cosmic rays, one of the era's most fascinating and puzzling discoveries: cosmic rays seemed to promise a path into the deepest heart of science, a chance to answer questions that might just explain everything -- or reveal the mind of God"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Prelude : shaking hands with Mussolini

"A very interesting discussion"

The penetrating radiation

A oneness about the whole of nature

The din of battle

Challengers

Mountaineers, fliers, and savants

Travel arrangements

Globetrotting

Skyscraping

Throwing the gauntlet

The gathering forces

High noon in atlantic city

Hooray for the cosmic rays

Falling and rising

Rising and falling

Creation and annihilation

Quarrels in the family

A sort of peace

Postlude : the unity of all creation.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

OCLC-licensed vendor bibliographic record.

ISBN:

0-262-37782-9

0-262-37783-7

OCLC:

1424750478