Advances made by physicists in understanding matter, space, and time and by astronomers in understanding the universe as a whole have closely intertwined the question being asked about the universe at its two extremesâ€"the very large and the very small. This report identifies 11 key questions that have a good chance to be answered in the next decade. It urges that a new research strategy be created that brings to bear the techniques of both astronomy and sub-atomic physics in a cross-disciplinary way to address these questions. The report presents seven recommendations to facilitate the necessary research and development coordination. These recommendations identify key priorities for future scientific projects critical for realizing these scientific opportunities.

The acclaimed author of Einstein’s Dreams tackles "big questions like the origin of the universe and the nature of consciousness ... in an entertaining and easily digestible way” (Wall Street Journal) with a collection of meditative essays on the possibilities—and impossibilities—of nothingness and infinity, and how our place in the cosmos falls somewhere in between. Can space be divided into smaller and smaller units, ad infinitum? Does space extend to larger and larger regions, on and on to infinity? Is consciousness reducible to the material brain and its neurons? What was the origin of life, and can biologists create life from scratch in the lab? Physicist and novelist Alan Lightman, whom The Washington Post has called “the poet laureate of science writers,” explores these questions and more—from the anatomy of a smile to the capriciousness of memory to the specialness of life in the universe to what came before the Big Bang. Probable Impossibilities is a deeply engaged consideration of what we know of the universe, of life and the mind, and of things vastly larger and smaller than ourselves.

Astronomer Goldsmith gives readers nine easy steps to connect directly with the universe by observing cosmic phenomena, looking at the stars in a new light, and meditating on the world.

In a bold departure from her earlier books, medium and psychic Carole Lynne shares the story of her own growing revelation of the interconnected, interplanetary, cosmic energy that flows around and through us all, that is, indeed, the stuff we are made of. Experience Carole Lynne's journey of a lifetime as she goes into an altered state of consciousness and brings messages from "My Guidance" and "The Energy." Receive a glimpse into the nature of the spiritual forces that have created us and continue to manifest life. Evolution is not over! The future of our world depends on our abilities to evolve in a positive way: to let go of our egos, to realize that we are not separate beings, and to evolve to a consciousness that finds poverty, pollution, and war unthinkable. We are responsible for the future. But how can we change in order to have better personal lives and to make better choices for our world? As we approach 2012 and a seeming meltdown of economic and societal infrastructures more and more people are turning to other realms for solace, advice, and the tools they need to live every day. In the past when this has happened (during the Great Depression or WWI, for example) a great deal of material from other realms was given to us. Carole Lynne’s work joins that of her predecessors and her contemporaries in providing that information for tomorrow’s world.

Go on an awe-inspiring journey, unraveling the secrets of our universe from the tiniest particles to the vastness of space In this thought-provoking exploration, physicists Chris Ferrie and Geraint F. Lewis delve into the fundamental questions that have puzzled humanity for centuries. What sparked the birth of the universe? How did matter and energy come into existence? With clarity and precision, Ferrie and Lewis navigate the realms of quantum physics, relativity, and cosmology, providing accessible explanations that engage both novices and enthusiasts. Featuring a harmonious blend of scientific rigor and captivating storytelling, Where Did the Universe Come From? bridges the gap between complex concepts and everyday understanding. Readers will: Explore the origin of the universe and the fundamental forces that govern it. Dive into the mind-boggling realm of quantum mechanics and its implications on the cosmic scale. Uncover the mysteries of black holes, dark matter, and the enigmatic nature of the cosmos. Enjoy an engaging narrative that seamlessly integrates complex scientific concepts with accessible explanations. Whether you're an astrophysics enthusiast, a science student, or simply someone with a profound interest in the wonders of the universe, this comprehensive guide offers a rich tapestry of knowledge about the captivating wonders that surround us all.