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The Universal Timekeepers
Reconstructing History Atom by Atom
By: David Helfand
Paperback | 25 March 2025 | Edition Number 1
At a Glance
Paperback
$57.25
Available: 25th March 2025
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David J. Helfand reconstructs the history of the universe-back to its first microsecond 13.8 billion years ago-with the help of atoms. He shows how, by using detectors and reactors, microscopes and telescopes, we can decode the tales these infinitesimal particles tell, answering questions such as: Is a medieval illustrated prayer book real or forged? How did maize cultivation spread from the highlands of central Mexico to New England? What was Earth's climate like before humans emerged? Where can we find clues to identify the culprit in the demise of the dinosaurs? When did our planet and solar system form? Can we trace the births of atoms in the cores of massive stars or even glimpse the origins of the universe itself?
A lively and inviting introduction to the building blocks of everything we know, The Universal Timekeepers demonstrates the power of science to unveil the mysteries of unreachably remote times and places.
Industry Reviews
David Helfand has composed a magical, epic dance of atoms that connects us all to each other, and to key events of the past, present, and future of Earth and the cosmos itself. The choreographers are the laws of the universe. The performers are the atoms themselves. The Universal Timekeepers offers a cosmic perspective like no other. -- Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist, American Museum of Natural History
The Universal Timekeepers is a wonderful exploration that reveals how wispy atomic nuclei provide a powerful means for reconstructing history. Using engaging examples from art forgeries to the Shroud of Turin to the Big Bang itself, Helfand expertly ushers readers through the subtle science that vibrantly brings the past to life. -- Brian Greene, author of The Elegant Universe and Until the End of Time
Helfand will enthuse and educate readers about the marvelous applications of atomic and nuclear physics to learn about human and natural history. I had a blast reading this book. -- Jordy de Vries, University of Amsterdam
A work of outstanding and meticulous scholarship. An extraordinarily informative and thoroughly 'reader friendly' study. * Midwest Book Review *
Gives us a tour of the atom not as a destroyer, but as a detective that can help us unravel mysteries as wide-ranging as art forgeries, the provenance of ancient temples and the death of the dinosaurs. * Amherst College Magazine *
ISBN: 9780231219037
ISBN-10: 0231219032
Available: 25th March 2025
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Number of Pages: 288
Audience: General Adult
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Country of Publication: GB
Edition Number: 1
Dimensions (cm): 23.49 x 15.55
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You Can Find This Book In
This product is categorised by
- Non-FictionSciencePhysicsAtomic & Molecular Physics
- Non-FictionScienceAstronomy, Space & TimeTime & Chronology
- Non-FictionEarth Sciences, Geography, Environment, PlanningThe EnvironmentPollution & Threats to the EnvironmentClimate Change
- Non-FictionSciencePhysicsApplied PhysicsAstrophysics
- Non-FictionSciencePhysics