Principles of Cosmology and Gravitation

General relativity and quantum mechanics have become the two central pillars of theoretical physics. Moreover, general relativity has important applications in astrophysics and high-energy particle physics. Covering the fundamentals of the subject, Principles of Cosmology and Gravitation describes the universe as revealed by observations and presents a theoretical framework to enable important cosmological formulae to be derived and numerical calculations performed. Avoiding elaborate formal discussions, the book presents a practical approach that focuses on the general theory of relativity. It examines different evolutionary models and the gravitational effects of massive bodies. The book also includes a large number of worked examples and problems, half with solutions.

Cosmography. Physical basis of general relativity. Difficulties with Newtonian mechanics. Curved spacetime and the physical mathematics of general relativity. General relativity near massive objects. Cosmic kinematics. Cosmic dynamics. In the beginning. Appendix A: Labeling astronomical objects. Appendix B: Theorema egregium. Problems. Solutions to odd-numbered problems. Useful numbers. Bibliography.Index.