The 4 Percent Universe

2011

Have you ever wondered how much of the universe is made of matter? It's a mere 4 percent, according to scientists. What makes up the other 96 percent is a mystery, and this book tells the thrilling and suspenseful story of the hunt to find out. Author Richard Panek takes readers deep into the world of cosmology to discover the bitter rivalries and fruitful collaborations, the eureka moments and blind alleys that have shaped the search for dark matter and dark energy. Through on-site reporting and interviews with some of the top scientists in the field, including Saul Perlmutter and Adam Riess, Panek offers a glimpse into a fascinating and rapidly evolving area of science that has the potential to redefine our understanding of the universe itself.