Life, the universe, and everything. Issue 5 (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hilbe, Joseph M.; Riggs, Jamie; Wandelt, Benjamin D.; de Souza, Rafael S.; Ishida, Emille E. O.; Cisewski, Jessi; Surdin, Vladimir; Killedar, Madhura; Trotta, Roberto; Bassett, Bruce; Fantaye, Yabebal; Impey, Chris
• Is Part Of: Significance. Volume 11:Issue 5(2014)
• Page Start: 48
• Page End: 75
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: Statistics -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Periodicals; 001.422
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-9713.2014.00785.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-9705

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>The disciplines of astronomy and statistics are coming together to answer some of the biggest questions in modern science. By <bold>Joseph M. Hilbe</bold></p> <p>Impacts from space rocks have set off mass extinctions at least twice in Earth's history. Should we be worried that another strike is imminent? <bold>Joseph M. Hilbe</bold> and <bold>Jamie Riggs</bold> assess the risks</p> <p>An overview of meteorite strikes observed through the ages, designed by <bold>Carlo Zapponi</bold></p> <p>If you want to know why the universe is the way it is, you have to understand its initial state. <bold>Benjamin Wandelt</bold> takes us back billions of years to show how statistics is helping cosmologists understand the origins of everything – including life itself</p> <p>Astronomy data sets are astronomically big – that is why statistical approaches are needed to analyse, organise and unravel the mysteries of the universe. By <bold>Rafael de Souza</bold> and <bold>Emille Ishida</bold></p> <p>There's more to the universe than meets the eye – over 80% is made up of stuff we cannot see. <bold>Jessi Cisewski</bold> explores the nature of dark matter, and how statistics is helping locate it</p> <p>30 billion? 225 billion? 400 billion? Vladimir Surdin finds no exact answer, but plenty of estimates</p> <p>There isn't a set of scales big enough to measure the most massive objects in the universe. <bold>Madhura Killedar</bold> considers alternative methods, and the associated statistical challenges</p> <p>Our universe is fine‐tuned for life to such a degree that it would seem improbable were it the only universe in existence – which means there is a good chance that we live in a multiverse. <bold>Roberto Trotta</bold> explains the idea, and the discoveries that gave rise to it</p> <p>It began with a bang, but current models suggest the universe will go out with a whimper. <bold>Chris Impey</bold> explores the long, dark fate that awaits</p> </abstract>