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Space Oddities

The Mysterious Anomalies Challenging Our Understanding Of The Universe

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About this listen

Read by the author, Harry Cliff.

'As fascinating as its title suggests . . . Cliff recounts with vivid clarity the stories of some of the most striking oddnesses that have lit up the landscape of modern physics.' – Philip Pullman

Newly discovered strangenesses could transform our understanding of the fundamentals of physics – and of the nature of reality. In this eye-opening account, CERN experimental physicist Harry Cliff takes the reader on a tour of a new universe . . .


Something strange is going on in the cosmos. Scientists are uncovering a catalogue of weird phenomena that simply can’t be explained by our long-established theories of the universe. Particles with unbelievable energies are bursting from beneath the Antarctic ice. Unknown forces seem to be tugging on the basic building blocks of matter. Stars are flying away from us far faster than anyone can explain.

In Space Oddities, Harry Cliff provides a riveting look at the universe’s most confounding puzzles. In a journey that spans continents, he meets the scientists hunting for answers, and asks: Are these anomalies accidents of nature, or could they be pointing us toward vast, hidden worlds?

With wonder, clarity, and a dose of humour, Cliff leads us on a a mind-expanding investigation of physics and cosmology as they transform before us.

Astronomy & Space Science Cosmology Physics Science Mathematics Astronomy Black Hole

Critic reviews

A cracking tale of particle physics and cosmology . . . Space Oddities is a rare joyenlightening, thrilling and inspiring
Cliff is an engaging writer, with a keen ear for the fun metaphor and an observant eye when describing the scientific milieu in which he operates. His book provides the reader with a firsthand look at the challenges he and his colleagues face
Communicates the excitement of doing science and weaves in lots of interesting physics (Marcus Chown, Prospect)
Cliff's engaging and personable writing style, along with his infectious enthusiasm, follows in the best traditions of Feynman and Sagan (Jim Al-Khalili)
Space Oddities is as fascinating as its title suggests. Anomalies are always interesting, sometimes fascinating, and occasionally revelatory, and Harry Cliff recounts with vivid clarity the stories of some of the most striking oddnesses that have lit up the landscape of modern physics. I enjoyed it enormously (Philip Pullman)
Superb . . . Cliff’s lucid explanations do a remarkable job of making the complicated physics accessible and even exciting . . . A first-rate dispatch from the cutting edge of physics
Cliff’s optimism, light sense of humour, and enthusiasm for his subject shine through . . . An authoritative investigation of emerging scientific problems
Cliff converts complex physics into eminently readable popular science
Fascinating . . . Geared toward curious lay readers willing to be challenged with mind-bending scientific puzzles . . . clear explanations, a sprinkling of humou, and a dash of poetry
All stars
Most relevant
Starts off very well, with engaging accounts of the day to day struggles, achievements and failures of modern physics. But loses its momentum halfway through and sounds more like a diary than a scientific thriller.

Very engaging account of everyday life in modern physics

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Hearing from a senior experimenter in science at the edge of our knowledge was a real privilege. Clear explanations and analogies,well expressed.

Up to date clear information

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I glazed over during parts of the particle physics explanations, but in general this is a superb book giving a cutting edge account of where we are in cosmology and quantum physics. Mostly easy enough to follow with solid explanations and analogies, the book covers plenty of new and amazing things, and the things I already knew (mostly the space sections) were well covered and solidified my understanding. The interviews and quotes from the scientists being discussed were a particularly good aspect of this book.

And any science writer who crowbars in a Father Ted reference gets a thumbs up from me.

Brilliant overview of some cutting edge science!

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I really enjoyed this audiobook. It gave me an insight into why physics is not at a dead end. We are either in the cusp of many new insights or have a lot of hard graft still ahead. A wonderful journey from end to end. Thoroughly recommend.

Engaging, informative and a delight to read

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Great overview of some of the enigmas modern physicists are meeting in trying to understand reality.
Had I known more earlier in life, I would have stidied to become a physicist.
Harry Cliff - awesome book.
I loved it!

I utterly regret not knowing more sooner

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