Cosmology History?

[narrator]

Hi all,

Is there a timeline somewhere which shows a history of theories, breakthroughs, discoveries, especially with regard to cosmology. And is there a summary of the types of work being done in this area currently? It's probably a big question, but I'm keen to understand how some of the thinking came about and where current theories are at.

[mathman]

Try "cosmology history" on Google. You will get many references.

[narrator]

Try "cosmology history" on Google. You will get many references.

To that end, I found this site (http://www.spaceandmotion.com/cosmology-history-astronomy-universe-space.htm). I found it very interesting, especially reading some of the different models that were proposed. I particularly liked Tycho's model and Olbers' paradox as examples of thinking outside the square, despite them being incorrect.

[mjacobsca]

One of my favorite books on this subject is "Big Bang" by Simon Singh. It covers the earliest views of the heavens to the discovery of properties about our solar system, from measurement to tje nearest stars to discovery of other galaxies, and finally into the origins of the Big Bang and it's competing theories all the way to the most recent discoveries that support it. It also tells fascinating stories about the people behind all the discoveries. It is definitely one of my favorite scientific books of all time. And yes, it goes into length about Tycho Brahe, Olber's Paradox, Galileo, Copernicus, Hubble, and more. Let me know if you like it!

[narrator]

One of my favorite books on this subject is "Big Bang" by Simon Singh.

Looked up his website (http://www.simonsingh.net/). Fascinating array of writing. Also writes about another interest of mine, cryptography. I look forward to reading his Big Bang. Thanks mj.

[mjacobsca]

No problem! I hope you enjoy it!

[mjacobsca]

I just checked out "The Code Book" from the library. So far it is fascinating reading! He is a really good writer and recounter of history.