The Universe in the Rearview Mirror: How Hidden Symmetries Shape Reality

“A great read… Goldberg is an excellent guide.”—Mario Livio, bestselling author of The Golden Ratio   Physicist Dave Goldberg speeds across space, time and everything in between showing that our elegant universe—from the Higgs boson to antimatter to the most massive group of galaxies—is shaped by hidden symmetries that have driven all our recent discoveries about the universe and all the ones to come.   Why is the sky dark at night? If there is anti-matter, can there be anti-people? Why are past, present, and future our only options? Saluting the brilliant but unsung female mathematician Emmy Noether as well as other giants of physics, Goldberg answers these questions and more, exuberantly demonstrating that symmetry is the big idea—and the key to what lies ahead.

About the Author :
Dave Goldberg is an associate professor and director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Physics at Drexel University. He lives in Philadelphia.

Review :
"Mathematical symmetries lie at the heart of the answers, but Goldberg offers math-free guideposts along the way in this witty and accessible read. Tip: Don't skip the copious footnotes, packed with geek humor." - Discover “An informative, math-free, and completely entertaining look at the concept of symmetry in physics…Throughout his fascinating discussion, Goldberg’s writing remains accessible and full of humor…Seasoning his exposé with pop culture references that range from Doctor Who to Lewis Carroll to Angry Birds, Goldberg succeeds in making complex topics clear with a winning style.” - Publisher's Weekly "Goldberg delivers relentlessly cheerful but comprehensible explanations of a dozen profound features of the universe." - Kirkus "Most physics books can't really be described as 'rollicking,' but most physics books aren't written by Dave Goldberg. This is fun, irreverent, and enjoyable, but also very truthful and illuminating. Buy it for your friend who was always scared of physics, especially if that friend is yourself." - Sean Carroll, theoretical physicist at Caltech, author of The Particle at the End of the Universe "This is a fun and fascinating examination of core physics concepts-and which even includes a look at one of physics' unsung heroines, a giant upon whose shoulders many physicists have stood: Emmy Noether!" - Danica McKellar, actress and author of Math Doesn't Suck "Unputdownable! This book is tremendous fun for any reader curious about our bizarre and beautiful universe. If only the profound concepts and laws of physics were presented in schools in the clear and fun way Dave Goldberg has in this book, we would attract many more people to science early." - Priyamvada Natarajan, Departments of Astronomy & Physics, Chair, Women Faculty Forum, Yale University "The scope of this book is almost as vast as the physical universe it does a most impressive job of describing. Perhaps more importantly, Goldberg limns the under-appreciated work of Emmy Noether. Her principle that every symmetry gives rise to a conserved quantity unifies much of physics and Goldberg makes clear why and how." - John Allen Paulos, Professor of Mathematics, Temple University, author of Innumeracy "Dave Goldberg's masterful explanations of how symmetry shapes the universe are a delight to read. From kaon koans to Antworld, to all the fuss about the Higgs boson, you will be enthralled and enlightened." - J. Richard Gott, Professor of Astrophysics, Princeton University "Reading this book is like taking a class with the most awesome science professor ever. Goldberg answers the physics questions you secretly want to ask, like whether you'll ever have a TARDIS and what would happen if Earth were sucked into a black hole. A must read for anybody who wants to understand the nature of the universe - with jokes." - Annalee Newitz, editor and time distortion field operator: i09.com "Dave Goldberg offers a funhouse of fascinating curiosities, mind-bending paradoxes, and clever humor...Magnificently elucidate the importance of symmetry in physics, astronomy, and math. A powerful reflection on the power of reflection!" - Paul Halpern, author of Edge of the Universe “Who knew symmetry could be so brilliantly entertaining? Physicist Dave Goldberg slings the reader straight in at the deep end of this big physics concept, but with enough masterly wit to keep you afloat.” - Nature “Throughout his fascinating discussion, Goldberg’s writing remains accessible and full of humor…Seasoning his exposé with pop culture references that range from Doctor Who to Lewis Carroll to Angry Birds, Goldberg succeeds in making complex topics clear with a winning style.” —Publishers Weekly