Astronomers and astrophysicists have discovered Einstein's theory of general relativity - the last major revolution in our understanding of the Universe - holds the key to deciphering the mysterious presence of dark substances that dominate the Universe and upend long-held notions about the nature of our cosmos. Known as 'Einstein's telescope,' the warps and dimples in Einstein's description of time and space can be used as giant lenses that magnify hidden or more distant components of the cosmos. University of Chicago astrophysicist Evalyn Gates takes us through the science behind this powerful tool and explains what it is helping scientists discover. We learn only 10 percent of our galaxy is made up of planets, stars, or black holes visible to common telescopes; that other 90 percent consists of entirely new kinds of particles (like cold, dark matter) that only now, with Einstein's telescope, can we begin to trace out, and, as importantly, to weigh. By sharing where our quest for deciphering the Universe has taken us so far, Gates also points to the exciting new frontier for astrophysics; for example, using Einstein's telescope can help scientists test alternative models of gravity, which could lead to an entirely new way of thinking about the Universe. From beginning to end, Gates' invigorating examination both answers and suggests continued uncertainty over one of science's great lingering mysteries: What is the Universe made of?
Industry Reviews
"Gates offers clear, accessible explanations of how gravitational lensing can be used to solve the biggest mysteries of the universe-first by using luminous matter to ferret out the dark matter, then by using the cosmic web of dark matter itself as a lens to probe dark energy and the very structure of time and space." -- New Scientist
"What stands out in Evalyn Gates' cogent review of this intriguing topic is the sheer cleverness astronomers have demonstrated in fashioning tools to study the unseeable...As Gates so aptly demonstrates, describing how a science works toward a solution provides...enjoyment for any reader." -- Marcia Bartusiak - Washington Post
"Gates uses one of Einstein's great ideas to weave together mathematics, astrophysics, and cosmology into a coherent and, dare I say it, compelling narrative that maps out the frontiers of contemporary research." -- Pedro Ferreira - Science
"Through Gates's ambitious book, everyone will appreciate the puzzles of the dark Universe-and the power and beauty of gravitational lensing." -- Joachim Wambsganss - Nature
"A fantastic story from modern cosmology...down-to-earth, accessible, and fun." -- Sean Carroll, author of New York Times best-selling Something Deeply Hidden
"If you wonder what the world is and how it works and how it works on the grandest scale, here's your guidebook!" -- Robert P. Kirshner, Clowes Professor of Science, Harvard University, and author of The Extravagant Universe
"As exciting as it is informative." -- Booklist (starred review)
"An enthusiastic update on the search for the materials that make up the universe...Splendidly satisfying reading." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
