The Invisible Universe
My first popular astronomy book, "The Invisible Universe: Why There's More to Reality than Meets the Eye", was published in November 2021 by Oneworld Publications.
From the discovery of entirely new kinds of galaxies to a window into cosmic ‘prehistory', this is the Universe as we've never seen it before - literally.
Since the dawn of our species, people all over the world have gazed in awe at the night sky.
But for all the beauty and wonder of the stars, when we look with just our eyes we are seeing
and appreciating only a tiny fraction of the Universe. What does the cosmos have in store for
us beyond the phenomena we can see, from black holes to supernovas? How different does the invisible
Universe look from the home we thought we knew?
This book is a (totally maths and jargon-free!) guide to the ninety-nine per cent of cosmic
reality we can't see - the Universe that is hidden, right in front of our eyes.
UK Retailers:
US Retailers:
Audiobook:
Reviews
Throughout the book, concepts are well explained, using metaphors and analogies to create an accessible writing style… An engaging read overall, this book will be of interest to anyone wanting to know more about how we've learned what we know about the Universe
- BBC Sky at Night
Matthew Bothwell's excellent book is a compelling read. He sets the latest fascinating discoveries in their historical context, and highlights the mysteries that challenge future astronomers. The coverage is comprehensive and clear. The book stands out in a crowded field and deserves very wide readership.
- Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal
This book bursts with information without once becoming dull or over-complicated. Ideas are introduced at an accessible level, and unique analogies put abstract concepts and almost inconceivable quantities into a context that we can understand intuitively… engaging, warm, and readable... Readers of all ages who want to gain a better understanding of the unseen Universe will find something here to enjoy.'
- Astronomy Now
Matthew Bothwell has opened a new window onto the night sky for his readers, taking us on a sweeping tour of some of the most cutting-edge phenomena in the cosmos and using his knack for clear, precise, and inventive explanations to help us all see the unseen. A unique and compelling read that will open your eyes to the beautiful and multifaceted universe that scientists are exploring today.
- Emily Levesque, author of The Last Stargazers
A fascinating account that particularly stands out in the crowded field of scientific literature… Explaining difficult concepts in a digestible way, The Invisible Universe is a must-read for those seeking a straightforward route into the world of astronomy. One can't help being attracted to Bothwell's infectious passion for science, prompting us to stare out at the night sky and wonder what other discoveries lie hidden amongst the stars.
- Reaction
In Dr Bothwell’s fascinating new book, we are taken on a cosmic journey… beautifully presented in a way that makes for compelling reading and opens up your mind to the unseen. A book that fully deserves to be on any curiously minded person’s book shelf.
- Astronomy Ireland
The Invisible Universe shows everything in a new light. In clear language this book takes you from the familiar to the deeply strange, from blue skies to black holes and beyond, showing how much we've learned and the immensity of what we have yet to understand.
- Ken MacLeod, author of the award-winning Fall Revolution series
Matt's book is an excellent introduction to how astronomers have learnt ‘what's out there', particularly using radiation invisible to the human eye. He deftly conveys ideas with a cheerful and infectious enthusiasm, using humour, vivid analogies and personal anecdotes to bring our understanding of the Universe to life, without losing any scientific rigour. Highly readable, it offers an increased sense of wonder at the workings of the cosmos.
- Carolin Crawford, Emeritus Gresham Professor of Astronomy
A highly recommended and enjoyable read, especially if this is your first guidebook for this armchair trip… Dr. Bothwell examines each topic with the right mix of history, anecdote, analogy, science and implications… captivating.
- Starvind
Matt Bothwell guides us through the world of astronomy and astrophysics with an engagingly written, up-to-date view of some of the key current frontiers. He opens our eyes to wavelengths beyond the light we can see. His journey includes galaxies, black holes, star formation, dust, gravitational waves, dark matter and dark energy - all with interesting historical context, accessible explanations and richly peppered with accurate analogies. A compelling read.
- Andrew Coates, Professor of Physics at UCL and Deputy Director (Solar System) at UCL’s Mullard Space Science Laboratory