Beyond Earth

A companion to the National Air and Space Museum's new permanent exhibit, Explore the Universe, this stunning volume features prominent cosmologists sharing their quests to know the universe. Vera Rubin tells of the cold nights of observation that led to the proof that dark matter exists; Robert Wilson recounts the meticulous science behind the radio telescope that found evidence of the remnants of the big bang; Margaret Geller reveals a fascination with maps that led to the discovery of the bubble-like structure of the universe. Historians Sara Schechner and Robert Smith trace the evolution of astronomical instruments that made these discoveries possible. With stunning illustrations throughout, the book presents a spectacular vision of the cosmos and a fascinating range of inquiry and exploration—from Native American creation myths to state-of-the-art astrophysics.