All matter, including galaxy clusters, galaxies, and their constituents follow orbits and flows driven by the net attraction of near and distant masses. The book presents the development of studies of peculiar motions along with discoveries in large-scale structure, the cosmic microwave background, baryonic oscillations, gravity waves, and their relation to current work on gravitation and dark matter.The results of peculiar motion measurements in the late 20th century are described as they were used to search for the dipole of the galaxy motions, a determination of cosmic density, and to compare with the cosmic microwave dipole, which led to the discovery of galactic flows and the Great Attractor. Newer detailed measurements from surveys in the 21st century have helped resolve the nature of these structures. Some prospects for future investigations are discussed.

Physics and astrophysics came to dark matter through many different routes, finally accepting it, but often with some distaste. It has been noticed that the existence of dark matter is yet another displacement of humans from the centre of the Universe: not only do our planet and our sun have no central position in the Universe, not only are humans just animals (although with a 'specialized' central nervous system), but even the material of which we are made is only a marginal component of the cosmic substance! If this is the right attitude to take, scientists feeling distaste for dark matter are much like Galileo Galilei's colleagues who refused to look through the telescope to watch the Medici planets. Nevertheless, astronomers, when required to take a ballot in favour of some cosmological model, often still vote for 'pure baryonic' with substantial majorities, although most cosmologists assume that a 'cold' component of dark matter plays a role in producing the world as we observe it. Among the many subjects covered by the book, particular emphasis was given to 1) summarizing the current status of the observations both of the distribution of the nearby galaxies and of the evolution of more distant galaxies; 2) advanced statistical techniques for quantifying structure in galaxy redshift and peculiar velocity surveys; 3) the art of cosmic inflation and models for dark matter candidates, and their implications for cosmic microwave background observations; 4) implications of cold dark matter variants for large scale structure, as worked out both by quasi-linear techniques and by fully nonlinear simulations; and 5) Eulerian and Lagrangian approximations for treating the nonlinear dynamics.

Just what is Einstein's Theory of Relativity? The Big Bang Theory? Curvature of Spacetime? What do astronomers mean when they talk of a 'flat universe'? This approachable and authoritative guide to the cosmos answers these questions, and more. Taking advantage of the distinctive Companion format, readers can use the extensive, cross-referenced background chapters as a fascinating and accessible introduction to the current state of cosmological knowledge - or, they can use the convenient A-Z body of entries as a quick reference to a wide range of terms and concepts. Entries include topics such as: Black Hole; Doppler Effect; Fermi, Enrico; Heat Death of the Universe; Life in the Universe; Olber's Paradox; Quantum Field Theory; Supernova; and much more.

We have entered the "Golden Age of Cosmology," where modern technology is allowing scientists to chart the cosmos to a depth and precision unimaginable until recent years. The amassing of this new data has had a profound impact on our understanding of the origin and evolution of the universe. The Routledge Critical Dictionary of the New Cosmology is designed to be your guide through this exciting period. The clear, concise essays by leading cosmologists provide introductions to various aspects of the subject, and allow new developments to be placed in context. The essays are cross-referenced to an alphabetical dictionary giving in-depth explanations of key words and concepts as well as biographical entries on the major figures in cosmology. This volume can be used to focus on a particular theme or to explore the big picture.

This is a collection of lectures on topics in cosmology and elementary particles with emphasis on astrophysics. Delivered by prominent scientists, the lectures give up-to-date and comprehensive treatment of the areas covered.