When and how did the universe begin? What gave rise to the myriad galaxies and immense super-clusters of galaxies that exist today? And how might it all end? In fact, will it ever end?

These questions have perplexed philosophers of old. But with the advent of exciting new technologies and astrophysical techniques, scientists have pieced together a compellingly coherent account of both the beginning and end of the cosmos – with much now understood about the billions of years in between the start and possible finish.