Boundaries of Cosmology

This document is a 1990 JPRS report containing an article by Leonid Grishchuk, a doctor of physical and mathematical sciences at the State Astronomy Institute imeni P.K. Shternberg. The article, titled 'Boundaries of Cosmology,' was originally published in the Russian journal 'Kommunist' in August 1990. The author begins by critiquing the state of scientific policy in the Soviet Union, noting that a utilitarian approach and the persecution of scientists have led to a lag in research. He argues that basic science requires state protection and a supportive social atmosphere. Grishchuk highlights that public interest in topics like 'flying saucers' and 'space aliens' reflects a need for better scientific education and communication. The bulk of the article provides a technical overview of modern cosmology. It covers the history of the universe, the expansion of the galaxy, the role of the Hubble constant, and the significance of relic radiation. The author discusses the theoretical foundations laid by A.A. Fridman and A. Einstein, and the contributions of G. Gamov. He explores the concepts of warped space-time, the inflationary hypothesis, and the potential for a unified theory of physical interactions. Finally, the author reflects on the historical struggle between scientific inquiry and dogmatic authority, citing the example of Jordano Bruno. He concludes by emphasizing that humanity has entered the space age and that understanding the universe requires the participation of all sciences, including the humanities, to address fundamental questions about existence and the potential for non-Earth civilizations.