Space-Time, Relativity, and Cosmology

This textbook provides a historical introduction to modern relativistic cosmology for first year undergraduates and non-science majors undertaking a physics course. The topics are presented non-mathematically, with the emphasis on the underlying ideas. The tests and supporting experimental evidence are explained together with their predictions and their confirmation.

Space-Time, Relativity, and Cosmology provides a historical introduction to modern relativistic cosmology and traces its historical roots and evolution from antiquity to Einstein. The topics are presented in a non-mathematical manner, with the emphasis on the ideas that underlie each theory rather than their detailed quantitative consequences. A significant part of the book focuses on the Special and General theories of relativity. The tests and experimental evidence supporting the theories are explained together with their predictions and their confirmation. Other topics include a discussion of modern relativistic cosmology, the consequences of Hubble's observations leading to the Big Bang hypothesis, and an overview of the most exciting research topics in relativistic cosmology. This textbook is intended for introductory undergraduate courses on the foundations of modern physics. It is also accessible to advanced high school students, as well as non-science majors who are concerned with science issues.