Scientists have the opportunity to view certain subjects in more depth than most non-scientists. This is accomplished through the use of an intricate language necessary to accomplish their goals - mathematics. This language of numbers, coordinates, derivatives, integrals, functions, extensions, exponentials and many other processes allows the exploration of the known and unknown in a precise manner.
During the development of our solar system and the accumulation of the material that formed the planets, Earth happened to emerge under conditions that eventually led to the beginning of and development of life. Had Earth formed closer to the Sun there would have been no water - it would have been boiled away. Had Earth formed further from the Sun, it would have been too cold for bacteria to form and there would have been no life there either.
Returning to the first sentence in this discussion, I wish to amend this to include all non-scientists due to the approach taken in this book. A formula, which may be half as long as this printed line, speaks directly to the scientist in the time it takes to read the formula. The explanation to the layman could require an hour of time or a chapter in the book. The intent of this book is to allow the layman to understand the basics of many sciences using words - not formulas. Simple formulas will be shown in examples to clarify and verify information. More complete data on many subjects can be found in the APPENDIX. Diagrams are used when possible because "one picture is worth a thousand words." I want young people to be able to read this book and understand the contents enough to encourage them to want to know more - create an appetite forknowledge.
Fields you will visit include: cosmology, astronomy, astrophysics, atomic phsyics, nuclear physics, particle physics, quantum physics, relativity, geology, geophysics and molecular biology. You will traverse from the beginning of our Universe, proceed to the present and be given a peek into what is known of the future of our planet and the rest of the Universe. I hope you enjoy this most wonderful journey.