Into the Unknown

A leading astronomer and gifted teacher takes readers on a wondrous tour of how science confronts the big questions-about the universe's origins, destiny, and fundamental nature-and how it contends with the limits of our knowledge

Humans have learned a lot about the world around us and the universe beyond. We have had powerful insights and created profound theories about the universe and everything in it. Surely the ultimate theory must be waiting, just beyond our current knowledge.

Well, maybe. In Into the Unknown, astrophysicist Kelsey Johnson takes us to the edge of scientific understanding about the universe: What caused the Big Bang? What happens inside black holes? Are there other dimensions? She doesn't just celebrate what we know but rather what we don't, and asks what it means if we never find that knowledge. Exploring the convergence of science, philosophy, and theology, Johnson argues we must reckon with possibilities-including those that may be beyond human comprehension. The very places where we run smack into total ignorance are the places where the most important questions-about the philosophy of knowledge, the nature of our cosmos, and even the existence of God-await.

As accessible as it is profound, Into the Unknown invites each of us to join in the great quest for knowledge.

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2024:
"Colliding universes, interdimensional particles, and the nature of time are among the mind-boggling mysteries contemplated in Johnson's mesmerizing debut. Asking what caused the big bang and what determines the laws of nature, among other enigmas, Johnson introduces readers to heady cosmic questions they didn't know to ask, proving the universe is far stranger than they imagined."--Publishers Weekly
"A mind-bending inquiry... Heady ideas jump off nearly every page, and Johnson has a talent for describing them in breezy, conversational prose. This is perfect for anyone who enjoyed Astrophysics for People in a Hurry."--Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
"Into the Unknown takes the reader on a simultaneously mind-expanding and personal, relatable journey through some of the biggest questions we can ask about the nature of reality."--Q&A with Ethan Siegal, Big Think
"A delightful conversation with a brilliant explorer of the magic of our universe--how we found out, how she found out, what it means for us all, and above all, what we really don't know or can't possibly know, except maybe sometimes. Physics, astronomy, metaphysics, origin of life, extraterrestrials, all with wicked humor. You won't forget this one!"--John Mather, Nobel laureate
"Johnson takes us on a delightful journey through all the big questions that modern astronomy and cosmology evoke. Her refreshing humility recognizes that reason and experiment alone cannot adequately address all aspects of the cosmos and our existence--those pinnacles where science, religion, and philosophy converge."--Jennifer Wiseman, astrophysicist and Director Emeritus, American Association for the Advancement of Science Program of Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion
"This book is tremendous. Johnson asks all the big questions. Are we alone in the universe? What is the meaning of time? Are there hidden dimensions? Johnson is always accurate and never dumbs down, yet her writing is so smooth, so light, that it's never hard to follow. If you want to tickle your imagination with all the stuff we still don't know, read this book!"--Antonio Padilla, author of Fantastic Numbers and Where to Find Them
"This groundbreaking book takes the reader on an adventure that explores the questions many scientists are afraid to ask. It will stand as a roadmap for the future of our field."--Stephon Solomon Alexander, author of The Jazz of Physics

Kelsey Johnson is a professor of astronomy at the University of Virginia, former president of the American Astronomical Society, and founder of the award-winning Dark Skies, Bright Kids program. She has won numerous awards for her research, teaching, and promotion of science literacy. She lives in rural Virginia with her family, including two very large dogs.

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