Friday, November 17, 2017

The Birth & Death of the Sun

The mystery of the universe especially that of the Sun which is ushering on us the blessing of light, warmth and the whole gamut of energy possible, always fascinates the inquisitive seekers. How was the Sun born, what gave it its shape and luminosity, what is happening inside it, how does it affects other bodies, what is the future of the Sun are a few of the questions that may haunt many. The astronomers through the ages have probed into the mysteries with observational facilities having large telescopes. The scientists have theorized several possibilities. Stars were categorized, origin of elements studied, trajectories of galaxies explained, expanding universe was conceptualized. The book details all these serious concepts laced with humour. With his signature style, George Gamow has narrated one of the most difficult of studies with the ease of a master artist. With three chapters devoted for the basic required for the understanding the stellar evolution was explained in the most simplest of the ways without compromising on the science. With analogies the author has made the readers understand the physics of the universe. The history of the journey of science as it explained the Sun and other stars also is written. The energy that is fuelling the universe is also described. In the climax is given an application of the immense energy that lies dormant in elements. The book is riveting though requiring a bit of concentration sometimes.