Time Travel in Einstein's Universe: The Physical Possibilities of Travel Through Time

From Publishers Weekly
As one of the foremost scientists in the field of time travel, Princeton astrophysicist Gott takes it upon himself to disseminate advice on building time machines. The construction of the vessel itself is rarely of concern here; it is the way it is used and the way that space-time (the dimensions of space and time that we collectively consider to be our universe) behaves around it that may eventually allow adventurers to break with the usual order of things. Believing that science fiction often spurs true scientific discovery, Gott explores numerous theatrical and literary concepts before moving on to current bona fide theories, pointing out the difficulties of each method. Some possibilities for leaving the present involve dismantling Jupiter, making use of "cosmic strings," taking a trip at near light-speeds far out into space then back and warping space-time itself. Einstein's theory of relativity, upon which all of the presented theories depend, is described in impressively clear language. Practical tips for chrononauts on their options for travel and the contingencies to prepare for make everything sound bizarrely plausible. Gott clearly enjoys his subject and his excitement and humor are contagious; this book is a delight to read. (May 21)Forecast: This book will appeal to anyone who has ever been fascinated by time travel, as well as those who many have considered such a thing. Liberally sprinkled diagrams will help readers who find this stunning array of craziness a lot to take in. Good handselling by booksellers will ensure the author's events in New York, Boston, Ann Arbor, Seattle and San Francisco are well attended, and word-of-mouth by readers of all stripes will boost sales beyond the initial push.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From Scientific American
"One reason that time travel is so fascinating is that we have such a great desire to do it," Gott writes. And so he explores the possibilities of travel to the past and to the future. Being a professor of astrophysics at Princeton University, he does not stray from the laws of physics in constructing this stimulating odyssey. Being also the man who has made a number of intriguing predictions based on the Copernican idea that "your location is not special," Gott offers several predictions here. The future duration of the human species, for one--more than 5,100 years but less than 7.8 million. And "one of the things we should understand about time is that we have just a little," he argues that "the goal of the human spaceflight program should be to increase our survival prospects by colonizing space."

FROM OUR EDITORS

Time travel has captured the imagination of generations. It was strictly precluded in the universe as described by Newton, but not so within Einstein's framework. Richard Gott, a Princeton astrophysicist, explains how we have already accomplished time travel to the future (OK, less than a second, but still valid) and how a supercivilization could build a time machine for travel into the past. Gott also describes his own mind-bending theory that the origin of the universe itself was a time loop so that the universe would be its own "mother."

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In this fascinating book, the renowned astrophysicist J. Richard Gott leads time travel out of the fictional world of H. G. Wells and into the realm of scientific possibility. Building on theories posited by Einstein and advanced by scientists such as Stephen Hawking and Kip Thorne, Gott explains how time travel can actually occur. He describes, with boundless enthusiasm and humor, how travel to the future is not only possible but has already happened, and he contemplates whether travel to the past is also conceivable. Notable for its extraordinary subject matter and scientific brilliance, Time Travel in Einstein's Universe is a delightful and captivating exploration of the surprising facts behind the science fiction of time travel.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

As one of the foremost scientists in the field of time travel, Princeton astrophysicist Gott takes it upon himself to disseminate advice on building time machines. The construction of the vessel itself is rarely of concern here; it is the way it is used and the way that space-time (the dimensions of space and time that we collectively consider to be our universe) behaves around it that may eventually allow adventurers to break with the usual order of things. Believing that science fiction often spurs true scientific discovery, Gott explores numerous theatrical and literary concepts before moving on to current bona fide theories, pointing out the difficulties of each method. Some possibilities for leaving the present involve dismantling Jupiter, making use of "cosmic strings," taking a trip at near light-speeds far out into space then back and warping space-time itself. Einstein's theory of relativity, upon which all of the presented theories depend, is described in impressively clear language. Practical tips for chrononauts on their options for travel and the contingencies to prepare for make everything sound bizarrely plausible. Gott clearly enjoys his subject and his excitement and humor are contagious; this book is a delight to read. (May 21) Forecast: This book will appeal to anyone who has ever been fascinated by time travel, as well as those who many have considered such a thing. Liberally sprinkled diagrams will help readers who find this stunning array of craziness a lot to take in. Good handselling by booksellers will ensure the author's events in New York, Boston, Ann Arbor, Seattle and San Francisco are well attended, and word-of-mouth by readers of all stripes will boost sales beyond the initial push. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Booknews

Gott (astrophysical sciences, Princeton U.) takes some time out from his work to write for a general audienceat least for those willing to enter the head-spinning domain of time travel speculation. He begins with the dream of time travel as it's explored in science fiction and then explains the scientific investigation such dreaming has inspired. The treatment is genial and engaging for the most part but is somewhat uneven in its expectations of readers' technical knowledge. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

In this book Gott offers an excellent exploration of the concept of time travel. Most interesting is the 'universe creating itself' idea. He drives the point back to a very deep level of physical philosophy without losing the popular reader. Gott is impressive both because of his insights and because of his ability to articulate them so far as to make the interested layperson follow him. — Hugh Downs

J. Richard Gott is one of the most original thinkers of our time. In this intriguing exposition on time travel, based in part on his newly discovered solution to Einstein's equations, Professor Gott empowers the reader to explore this fascinating frontier where science fiction becomes science fact.  — (Neil Degrasse Tyson, astrophysicist and director, Hayden Planetarium, New York City)