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This book examines the world of cosmological research, providing an in-depth critical review of the research associated with challenges to the standard Big Bang scenario. It includes studies that are apparently at odds with the current standard Lambda-CDM model, providing examples of alternative theories, tests and problems with the standard model, and a discussion on the philosophy and sociology of cosmology. Theoretical limitations and practical implications of the Standard Model are discussed, assessing the sociological factors contributing to the neglect of alternative cosmological ideas, which include the allocation of funds, research positions, prestige, and telescope time, as well as discussing the religious, economic and political ideologies that influence the contents of cosmological ideas. The book is an excellent resource for working cosmologists, as well as undergraduate and graduate students of Astronomy and Philosophy of Science.
The subtitle gives an idea about the contents: it is mainly about the pillars of the standard model of cosmology (expansion, dark matter, dark energy, the CMB, bigbang nucleosynthesis, structure formation) and alternative explanations for various aspects. The book provides not only a good summary of the standard model but also of alternatives to it. It is rare that someone is so well informed both about standard cosmology and alternative theories.
Phillip Helbig, The Observatory, April 2023