Chris Lintott’s Universe

This worries me a little; the idea that creationism could gain any sort of foothold in the UK is disturbing. Luckily, the important quotation is at the bottom of the article, where

“A spokesperson for the DfES said: “Neither creationism nor intelligent design are taught as a subject in schools, and are not specified in the science curriculum. The national curriculum for science clearly sets down that pupils should be taught that the fossil record is evidence for evolution, and how variation and selection may lead to evolution or extinction.”

Following the fuss earlier in the year, it’s good to see that the government is holding firmly to this line. The important thing is to keep watching, and making sure that they stick to it. In the meantime, may I recommend the Panda’s Thumb for a virtual pint?

Back in the far off days between undergrad and PhD, I happened to be at Patrick’s while discussions were taking place about a book to be co-authored by PM and by Queen guitarist and astronomer, Brian May. Somehow, I got sucked into the project and was present at the fateful meeting at which hands were shaken and deals were agreed. The first thing Brian said after agreeing to join is was to warn us that he didn’t really have time for the project, and I certainly didn’t have time. Nonetheless, Bang! : The complete history of the Universe (my arguing for ‘a history of the Universe’ didn’t sway the sales team…) now exists, and I am extremely proud of the two copies that are currently nestling on my bookshelf.

The key difference between this and any other introduction to the subject that I know of is that we tell the story as it happened (and will happen) rather than as we have discovered it. So we have tried very hard to avoid sentences which begin ‘In XXX astronomers believed…’ and stuck to the story of the Universe’s evolution, from ‘In the Beginning’ to the very end. Publication date is officially next month, but keep an eye on our sparkling website in the meantime, or go to the website of Canopus Publishing for a preview.