SAO Project 113 Information
Project #113. Steady State versus the Big Bang theory
The Steady State theory burst forth in the 1950s with much fanfare. This description of the Universe by Hoyle, Bondi and Gold that required the constant creation of matter satisfied many who found an origin event such as the Big Bang difficult to reconcile either scientifically or philosophically. Describe and compare both sides of the Steady State and Big Bang models debate. For high marks you will need to explain the opposing viewpoints of Gamow, Alpher, Herman and Hoyle, Gold, Bondi (and later Narlikar, Burbidge). What events influenced each model? Where do the models stand now?Below I list some web sites and reference books to get you started. The books are not to be regarded as "must buy". They are not required reading for each project, because there is no required reading! I list well known books that I hope can be found in libraries.
I am happy to comment on a summary of what you intend to do (in fact please send me a summary as soon as possible so I know you are on track).
Caution! The Internet
Internet search engines are listed below the Projects. A word of warning/caution to users of Internet/Web resources. Just because information is on a Web page, doesn't mean that it is correct. After a while you will be able to identify the more reputable sites (eg. most .edu, .ac sites). Check the credentials of the author of the site. Has the web site been updated lately? Does it agree with other (non-Internet) information?The truth is out there, but so is a lot of rubbish!
Hot Big Bang - Univ. Cambridge
Big Bang Cosmology Primer CfPA-Berkeley
FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES IN COSMOLOGY by Joseph Silk
Book: The Big Bang by Joseph Silk (Freeman and Co.)
Book: Home Is Where the Wind Blows : Chapters from a Cosmologist's Life by Fred Hoyle April, 1994 Univ Science Books; ISBN: 093570227
Book: In Search of the Big Bang by John Gribbin (Penguin 1998)
Astronomy Resources
Resource Lists * Astronomical Resources on the World Wide Web: A Guide to Surfing
Internet Search Engines
Google * HotBot * MetaCrawler
General References
CNN Space * Astronomy * Sky and Telescope * Scientific American * Mercury * New Scientist * New Scientist Astronomy Links
Back to
Swinburne Astronomy Online
Last updated: 10-Sept.-2002