The consolation of astronomy
 |
Description
Book Introduction
A famous lecture that you can listen to without going to Seoul National University.
The forty-second book in the "Seo Ga-myeong-gang" series
How to think of a universe made up of 5% light and 95% darkness
Discover Korea's finest lectures in book form! The forty-second volume in the "Seogamyeonggang" series, featuring carefully curated lectures by current Seoul National University faculty, has been published.
The Seoga Myunggang series, which transcribes the lectures of Seoul National University's top professors in various fields, including history, philosophy, science, medicine, and art, into books, provides readers with the expansion of knowledge and the joy of learning.
Professor Hwang Ho-seong, winner of the 2019 Korean Astronomical Society's Young Astronomer Award and selected as one of the "30 Young Scientists Who Will Shine in Korea" in 2016, meets readers with "The Comfort of Astronomy."
Professor Hwang Ho-seong, who has achieved outstanding research results in the fields of external galaxies and observational cosmology, has included in this book a very special astronomy lecture that conveys the philosophy of life through the unknown realm of the universe called dark matter and dark energy.
This book presents a way to think about myself, us, and the world by exploring the universe, which is made up of 5 percent light and 95 percent darkness, through the 'darkness' (dark matter and dark energy), which is almost everything in the universe.
Astronomy emphasizes that it is not simply a science, but a humanistic journey that scientifically explores philosophical questions and contemplates the universe.
The author tells us:
“I can confidently say that the universe is open to everyone.
And the courage to cross that darkness already exists within all of us.
This is the comfort that astronomy offers us.” “The Comfort of Astronomy” will take you on a wondrous intellectual journey to find answers to fundamental questions about where we came from and where we are going, through the fear and excitement of exploring the unfamiliar universe.
The forty-second book in the "Seo Ga-myeong-gang" series
How to think of a universe made up of 5% light and 95% darkness
Discover Korea's finest lectures in book form! The forty-second volume in the "Seogamyeonggang" series, featuring carefully curated lectures by current Seoul National University faculty, has been published.
The Seoga Myunggang series, which transcribes the lectures of Seoul National University's top professors in various fields, including history, philosophy, science, medicine, and art, into books, provides readers with the expansion of knowledge and the joy of learning.
Professor Hwang Ho-seong, winner of the 2019 Korean Astronomical Society's Young Astronomer Award and selected as one of the "30 Young Scientists Who Will Shine in Korea" in 2016, meets readers with "The Comfort of Astronomy."
Professor Hwang Ho-seong, who has achieved outstanding research results in the fields of external galaxies and observational cosmology, has included in this book a very special astronomy lecture that conveys the philosophy of life through the unknown realm of the universe called dark matter and dark energy.
This book presents a way to think about myself, us, and the world by exploring the universe, which is made up of 5 percent light and 95 percent darkness, through the 'darkness' (dark matter and dark energy), which is almost everything in the universe.
Astronomy emphasizes that it is not simply a science, but a humanistic journey that scientifically explores philosophical questions and contemplates the universe.
The author tells us:
“I can confidently say that the universe is open to everyone.
And the courage to cross that darkness already exists within all of us.
This is the comfort that astronomy offers us.” “The Comfort of Astronomy” will take you on a wondrous intellectual journey to find answers to fundamental questions about where we came from and where we are going, through the fear and excitement of exploring the unfamiliar universe.
- You can preview some of the book's contents.
Preview
index
Before reading this book_ Classification of academic disciplines, main keywords
Introduction_ A glimpse into our greatness within the vastness of the universe
Part 1: How to Read the Universe, Me, and the World Through Light and Darkness
Finding my address in space
How did we know the shape of the galaxy we live in?
The Space Telescope: An Eye on the Universe
Our world is a very small part of the universe.
▶ Q&A Ask and Answer
Part 2: Dark Matter: The Invisible Force That Rules the Universe
Dark matter, which exists without form, like the wind
What is the evidence for dark matter?
The extinction of the dinosaurs was due to dark matter!
How is dark matter research conducted?
▶ Q&A Ask and Answer
Part 3: Dark Energy: Unraveling the Universe's Great Mysteries
The Big Bang and the Epic of the Expanding Universe
Several attempts to uncover the identity of dark energy
Dark energy finally appears on stage
Uncover the identity of the 'Fifth Element'
▶ Q&A Ask and Answer
Part 4: Rediscovering the Universe, with a Heart that Is Not Afraid of the Dark
Cosmic Inflation: Asking About the Universe's First Moment
The only reason to study the universe is because of human existence.
The greatness of a small, feeble being exploring the vast darkness
▶ Q&A Ask and Answer
Outgoing Writing_ A Brilliant Journey Connecting Me and the Universe
Introduction_ A glimpse into our greatness within the vastness of the universe
Part 1: How to Read the Universe, Me, and the World Through Light and Darkness
Finding my address in space
How did we know the shape of the galaxy we live in?
The Space Telescope: An Eye on the Universe
Our world is a very small part of the universe.
▶ Q&A Ask and Answer
Part 2: Dark Matter: The Invisible Force That Rules the Universe
Dark matter, which exists without form, like the wind
What is the evidence for dark matter?
The extinction of the dinosaurs was due to dark matter!
How is dark matter research conducted?
▶ Q&A Ask and Answer
Part 3: Dark Energy: Unraveling the Universe's Great Mysteries
The Big Bang and the Epic of the Expanding Universe
Several attempts to uncover the identity of dark energy
Dark energy finally appears on stage
Uncover the identity of the 'Fifth Element'
▶ Q&A Ask and Answer
Part 4: Rediscovering the Universe, with a Heart that Is Not Afraid of the Dark
Cosmic Inflation: Asking About the Universe's First Moment
The only reason to study the universe is because of human existence.
The greatness of a small, feeble being exploring the vast darkness
▶ Q&A Ask and Answer
Outgoing Writing_ A Brilliant Journey Connecting Me and the Universe
Detailed image
Into the book
Studying the universe is not simply about looking at the stars in the sky, but about asking and finding answers to questions about where we came from and where we are going.
Now we will take a closer look at the universe, but it is so huge.
We humans are so small compared to this universe.
However, we, feeble humans, can enjoy the vast night sky and imagine the vast universe.
It cannot be anything other than a truly great human power.
--- From "Introduction | A Glimpse into Our Greatness in the Vastness of the Universe"
There are people in our country who are saddened by the news of Pluto's departure.
Singer BTS even wrote a song about that sad story.
The song is titled '134340', which is the new name Pluto received when it was changed to a dwarf planet.
Lyrics like “Why did you cast me out? Still lingering around you without a name, the farewell is colorless, that unchanging color has no name for me” clearly convey the sadness over Pluto’s demotion from the planetary status.
--- From "Finding My Address in the Universe"
There are gamma-ray bubbles and gamma-ray jets vertically above and below the disk of our galaxy.
Gamma-ray jets are thought to be created by high-energy particles emitted as matter is absorbed by the black hole at the center of the galaxy, while gamma-ray bubbles are likely the result of these jets, leaving behind hot gas in the form of bubbles.
Surprisingly, black holes not only suck in surrounding matter due to their great gravity, but they also constantly expel some of the matter that is drawn into the center, in what are called jets.
Think of it as a similar situation to how we cannot eat rice indefinitely quickly and have to trim it in the middle if necessary.
--- From "How did we know the shape of the galaxy we live in?"
Being unable to see also means that we cannot perceive its existence with our eyes.
So dark matter and dark energy must be understood in different ways, but we can understand the remaining 95 percent by observing the 5 percent that we see.
Understanding 100 percent of the universe in this way is also the goal of astronomical research.
--- From "Dark Matter, Formless, Like the Wind"
The universe was created 13.8 billion years ago through the Big Bang and expanded to an infinite size forever.
What we should note here is that the Big Bang did not originate from a single point in the universe, but rather the space-time of the universe itself was created from the Big Bang.
It may sound like a pun, but this is a very important distinction.
That is, time and space in the universe were created together from the Big Bang, and the universe was infinite from the beginning.
If someone asks whether the size of the universe is infinite or finite, you can safely say that it is infinite.
--- From "Dark Energy Finally Appears on Stage"
Stargazing is a very good hobby.
I hope more people will research and practice various ways to enjoy the night sky.
If we lived like that, wouldn't everyone's life become as bright and shining as a star?
(…)
The universe is so big, and humans are so small.
Yet, humans, who are such insignificant beings, can enjoy the vast night sky and imagine the vast universe.
Perhaps this is the greatest strength we humans possess. So let us boldly move forward, unafraid of the darkness.
Let us each believe in our own greatness on our own life journey.
Now we will take a closer look at the universe, but it is so huge.
We humans are so small compared to this universe.
However, we, feeble humans, can enjoy the vast night sky and imagine the vast universe.
It cannot be anything other than a truly great human power.
--- From "Introduction | A Glimpse into Our Greatness in the Vastness of the Universe"
There are people in our country who are saddened by the news of Pluto's departure.
Singer BTS even wrote a song about that sad story.
The song is titled '134340', which is the new name Pluto received when it was changed to a dwarf planet.
Lyrics like “Why did you cast me out? Still lingering around you without a name, the farewell is colorless, that unchanging color has no name for me” clearly convey the sadness over Pluto’s demotion from the planetary status.
--- From "Finding My Address in the Universe"
There are gamma-ray bubbles and gamma-ray jets vertically above and below the disk of our galaxy.
Gamma-ray jets are thought to be created by high-energy particles emitted as matter is absorbed by the black hole at the center of the galaxy, while gamma-ray bubbles are likely the result of these jets, leaving behind hot gas in the form of bubbles.
Surprisingly, black holes not only suck in surrounding matter due to their great gravity, but they also constantly expel some of the matter that is drawn into the center, in what are called jets.
Think of it as a similar situation to how we cannot eat rice indefinitely quickly and have to trim it in the middle if necessary.
--- From "How did we know the shape of the galaxy we live in?"
Being unable to see also means that we cannot perceive its existence with our eyes.
So dark matter and dark energy must be understood in different ways, but we can understand the remaining 95 percent by observing the 5 percent that we see.
Understanding 100 percent of the universe in this way is also the goal of astronomical research.
--- From "Dark Matter, Formless, Like the Wind"
The universe was created 13.8 billion years ago through the Big Bang and expanded to an infinite size forever.
What we should note here is that the Big Bang did not originate from a single point in the universe, but rather the space-time of the universe itself was created from the Big Bang.
It may sound like a pun, but this is a very important distinction.
That is, time and space in the universe were created together from the Big Bang, and the universe was infinite from the beginning.
If someone asks whether the size of the universe is infinite or finite, you can safely say that it is infinite.
--- From "Dark Energy Finally Appears on Stage"
Stargazing is a very good hobby.
I hope more people will research and practice various ways to enjoy the night sky.
If we lived like that, wouldn't everyone's life become as bright and shining as a star?
(…)
The universe is so big, and humans are so small.
Yet, humans, who are such insignificant beings, can enjoy the vast night sky and imagine the vast universe.
Perhaps this is the greatest strength we humans possess. So let us boldly move forward, unafraid of the darkness.
Let us each believe in our own greatness on our own life journey.
--- From "The Greatness of a Small and Frail Being Exploring the Vast Darkness"
Publisher's Review
“To believe in what is invisible
It definitely takes a lot of courage.
“The universe is open to everyone!”
The first book by Professor Hwang Ho-seong of Seoul National University, a young astronomer attracting global attention.
The Meaning of Human Existence Conveyed by the 95% Darkness of the Universe
'30 young scientists who will make Korea shine'
The astronomer who speaks most intimately about the universe!
Discovering the meaning of human existence in the darkness of space
How much do we really know about the universe? We gaze at the stars in the night sky and marvel at its vastness, but what we actually see is only 5% of the universe.
The remaining 95% is made up of invisible 'darkness' called dark matter and dark energy.
What is this darkness? And what does it tell us?
Professor Hwang Ho-seong of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Seoul National University, who was selected as one of the '30 Young Scientists Who Will Shine in Korea' and is an astronomer who speaks most intimately about the universe, conveys the philosophical message conveyed by the darkness of the universe through this book.
The author says:
“It certainly takes great courage to believe in what is invisible.
But exploring space is a long journey with no end in sight.
Maybe we will never reach the answer even if we spend our entire lives.
But just being on that journey together is a precious experience in itself.” He emphasizes that astronomy is not simply about looking at the stars in the sky, but a humanistic journey to explore the meaning of our own existence.
“A trip to an unfamiliar place can be both scary and exciting.
Astronomy research is also like that.
“Exploring the unknown is always accompanied by fear and excitement,” says astronomer Professor Hwang Ho-seong. Through research on dark matter and dark energy, he seeks to answer fundamental questions about the universe and the significance of human existence within it.
The most interesting way to unravel the secrets of cosmic evolution
Contains Seoul National University's best astronomy lectures.
This book is divided into four parts.
Part 1, ‘How to Read the Universe, Me, and the World with Light and Darkness,’ explores the position of humans in the universe and the size of the universe.
Part 2, "Dark Matter: The Invisible Force That Rules the Universe," covers the evidence and research methods for dark matter, which exists without a form like wind.
Part 3, 'Dark Energy, Unraveling the Great Mystery of the Universe', reveals the true nature of dark energy through the narrative of the Big Bang and the expanding universe.
The final part, Part 4, "Rediscovering the Universe, with a Heart Not Afraid of the Dark," discusses the value of space research and the courage of astronomy.
"The Comfort of Astronomy" contains a variety of visual materials, including a structural diagram of our galaxy, Paul Gauguin's "Where Do We Come From, What Are We, and Where Are We Going?", the Earth and the Moon photographed by Korea's first lunar probe "Danuri," and the "Hubble Ultra Deep Field" photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as beautiful moments in space and world-famous paintings.
This visual delight, coupled with the author's engaging and captivating storytelling, makes the world of astronomy accessible and enjoyable, while also enriching the reader's humanistic thinking.
The author emphasizes that “studying the universe is not simply about looking at the stars in the sky, but about asking questions and finding answers about where we came from and where we are going.”
This is why astronomy is both a science and a humanities.
From humanities readers who find astronomy romantic, to general readers with scientific curiosity, the moment you open this book, you will be greeted by Seoul National University's premier astronomy lecture, unraveling the secrets of cosmic evolution in a most engaging way.
Seoga Myunggang, a knowledge archive that adds sophistication and elegance to your life.
What if anyone could listen to and learn from the popular lectures taken by Seoul National University students?
★★★ It was great to be able to listen to lectures given by Seoul National University students!
★★★ It's like a gift to me who is tired of work life!
★★★ It was a study that was really necessary for living!
Seoga Myunggang (famous lectures you can listen to without going to Seoul National University) is a series of lectures from Seoul National University, the most prestigious university in Korea. It reconstructs the informative and interesting lectures of current Seoul National University professors and puts them into a book.
Since the summer of 2017, Seoul National University's top professors in their respective fields have been giving lectures on different topics every month under the name of "Seo Ga-myeong-gang." Each lecture drew an audience of approximately 100, who were deeply moved and enthralled by the feast of these renowned lectures.
Seogamaeunggang's diverse humanities content is available not only through books but also through live lectures and podcasts. It covers young and innovative topics, from popular lectures selected directly by Seoul National University students, to interdisciplinary lectures, and practical knowledge incorporating trends.
This program provides an opportunity for working professionals seeking to acquire general knowledge during their commute, young people exploring career paths, and all educated individuals in Korea who always harbor a passion for learning to easily watch, listen to, and learn from Korea's best lectures.
* Seo Ga-myeong-gang YouTube youtube.com/서가명강
It definitely takes a lot of courage.
“The universe is open to everyone!”
The first book by Professor Hwang Ho-seong of Seoul National University, a young astronomer attracting global attention.
The Meaning of Human Existence Conveyed by the 95% Darkness of the Universe
'30 young scientists who will make Korea shine'
The astronomer who speaks most intimately about the universe!
Discovering the meaning of human existence in the darkness of space
How much do we really know about the universe? We gaze at the stars in the night sky and marvel at its vastness, but what we actually see is only 5% of the universe.
The remaining 95% is made up of invisible 'darkness' called dark matter and dark energy.
What is this darkness? And what does it tell us?
Professor Hwang Ho-seong of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Seoul National University, who was selected as one of the '30 Young Scientists Who Will Shine in Korea' and is an astronomer who speaks most intimately about the universe, conveys the philosophical message conveyed by the darkness of the universe through this book.
The author says:
“It certainly takes great courage to believe in what is invisible.
But exploring space is a long journey with no end in sight.
Maybe we will never reach the answer even if we spend our entire lives.
But just being on that journey together is a precious experience in itself.” He emphasizes that astronomy is not simply about looking at the stars in the sky, but a humanistic journey to explore the meaning of our own existence.
“A trip to an unfamiliar place can be both scary and exciting.
Astronomy research is also like that.
“Exploring the unknown is always accompanied by fear and excitement,” says astronomer Professor Hwang Ho-seong. Through research on dark matter and dark energy, he seeks to answer fundamental questions about the universe and the significance of human existence within it.
The most interesting way to unravel the secrets of cosmic evolution
Contains Seoul National University's best astronomy lectures.
This book is divided into four parts.
Part 1, ‘How to Read the Universe, Me, and the World with Light and Darkness,’ explores the position of humans in the universe and the size of the universe.
Part 2, "Dark Matter: The Invisible Force That Rules the Universe," covers the evidence and research methods for dark matter, which exists without a form like wind.
Part 3, 'Dark Energy, Unraveling the Great Mystery of the Universe', reveals the true nature of dark energy through the narrative of the Big Bang and the expanding universe.
The final part, Part 4, "Rediscovering the Universe, with a Heart Not Afraid of the Dark," discusses the value of space research and the courage of astronomy.
"The Comfort of Astronomy" contains a variety of visual materials, including a structural diagram of our galaxy, Paul Gauguin's "Where Do We Come From, What Are We, and Where Are We Going?", the Earth and the Moon photographed by Korea's first lunar probe "Danuri," and the "Hubble Ultra Deep Field" photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as beautiful moments in space and world-famous paintings.
This visual delight, coupled with the author's engaging and captivating storytelling, makes the world of astronomy accessible and enjoyable, while also enriching the reader's humanistic thinking.
The author emphasizes that “studying the universe is not simply about looking at the stars in the sky, but about asking questions and finding answers about where we came from and where we are going.”
This is why astronomy is both a science and a humanities.
From humanities readers who find astronomy romantic, to general readers with scientific curiosity, the moment you open this book, you will be greeted by Seoul National University's premier astronomy lecture, unraveling the secrets of cosmic evolution in a most engaging way.
Seoga Myunggang, a knowledge archive that adds sophistication and elegance to your life.
What if anyone could listen to and learn from the popular lectures taken by Seoul National University students?
★★★ It was great to be able to listen to lectures given by Seoul National University students!
★★★ It's like a gift to me who is tired of work life!
★★★ It was a study that was really necessary for living!
Seoga Myunggang (famous lectures you can listen to without going to Seoul National University) is a series of lectures from Seoul National University, the most prestigious university in Korea. It reconstructs the informative and interesting lectures of current Seoul National University professors and puts them into a book.
Since the summer of 2017, Seoul National University's top professors in their respective fields have been giving lectures on different topics every month under the name of "Seo Ga-myeong-gang." Each lecture drew an audience of approximately 100, who were deeply moved and enthralled by the feast of these renowned lectures.
Seogamaeunggang's diverse humanities content is available not only through books but also through live lectures and podcasts. It covers young and innovative topics, from popular lectures selected directly by Seoul National University students, to interdisciplinary lectures, and practical knowledge incorporating trends.
This program provides an opportunity for working professionals seeking to acquire general knowledge during their commute, young people exploring career paths, and all educated individuals in Korea who always harbor a passion for learning to easily watch, listen to, and learn from Korea's best lectures.
* Seo Ga-myeong-gang YouTube youtube.com/서가명강
GOODS SPECIFICS
- Date of issue: September 15, 2025
- Page count, weight, size: 256 pages | 128*188*20mm
- ISBN13: 9791173574900
- ISBN10: 1173574905
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