In Search of the True Universe

Astrophysicist and scholar Martin Harwit examines how our understanding of the cosmos advanced rapidly during the twentieth century and identifies the factors contributing to this progress. Astronomy whose tools were largely imported from physics and engineering benefited mid-century from the US policy of coupling basic research with practical national priorities. This strategy initially developed for military and industrial purposes provided astronomy with powerful tools yielding access - at virtually no cost - to radio infrared X-ray and gamma-ray observations. Today astronomers are investigating the new frontiers of dark matter and dark energy critical to understanding the cosmos but of indeterminate socio-economic promise. Harwit addresses these current challenges in view of competing national priorities and proposes alternative new approaches in search of the true Universe. This is an engaging read for astrophysicists policy makers historians and sociologists of science looking to learn and apply lessons from the past in gaining deeper cosmological insight.