Einstein's Telescope
The Hunt for Dark Matter and Dark Energy in the Universe
by Evalyn Gates
Mem. Ed. $7.99
Pub. Ed. $25.95
You pay $1.99
Bonus Content
Einstein's Telescope
“Dark matter” accounts for the dynamics of galaxies and galaxy clusters. Equally puzzling is “dark energy,” thought to drive the cosmos’ accelerating expansion. As we learn in Einstein’s Telescope, physicists have a tool that may help elucidate both: gravitational lensing.
Evalyn Gates explains that a gravitational lens is formed when a massive object—a star or galaxy, say—is positioned between us and a more distant object. As Albert Einstein noted, a massive object warps spacetime, so the farther object’s light is bent around the intermediate object on its way to us. The result? A brighter image of an otherwise dim object. With great skill Gates explains how, by studying gravitationally lensed galactic clusters, we can explore the dark matter they contain. This cosmic web of dark matter, in turn, holds clues to the nature of dark energy.
Einstein’s Telescope shows how a consequence of general relativity might shed light on two of the cosmos’ darkest secrets.
HC. 320pp. 2009.
Hardcover : 310 pages
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Co. ( February 01, 2009 )
Item #: 12-653897
ISBN: 9780393062380
Product Dimensions: 6.125 x 9.25 inches
Product Weight: 19.0 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Highly recommended 
August 23, 2009
This is a very well done book, explaining the ideas of cosmology in a manner that is simple enough for even an amateur to understand, even a biology major such as myself. It is done with minimal reference to higher math, much appreciated by someone like me. I read once that you don't really understand a subject until you can explain it to anyone of average intelligence, who has only a basic fund of knowledge. By this criterion, Dr Gates does truly understand her subject. Her style of writing is well suited to both the subject and the intended audience. Her choice of analogies to explain her topics is both amusing and effective. (I especially liked her comparison of the early Universe, just after the Big Bang, to a roomful of preschoolers building towers of blocks.) Her explanations of gravitational lensing, dark matter, and dark energy were very illuminating, allowing me to finally understand subjects that have puzzled me for quite some time. She explains without resorting to jargon, unless it is fully explained first. An excellent basic summary of an intriguing and timely subject.
Reviewer: Mark M
Wonderful
July 23, 2009
"Einsteins Telescope" is excellent! Gates explains how we know dark matter and dark energy exist, and what we are doing to understand their mysterious nature. This was a very entertaining book, filled with a lot of good information. I would recommend this to anyone interested in modern cosmology, especially those who want to know more about dark matter and dark energy.
Reviewer: Tim K
Copyright © Bookspan. Scientific American® is a registered trademark, used under license. Unauthorized use prohibited. All rights reserved.
45007201205ADFL
Card Security Code
The card security code is an added safeguard for your credit/debit card purchases. Depending on the type of card you use, it is either a three- or four-digit number printed on the back or front of your credit/debit card, separate from your credit/debit card number. To make shopping at Scientific American Book Club® even more secure, we require that you enter this number each time you make a credit/debit card purchase. Please note that your security code will not be stored with us even if you have saved your credit/debit card information.
