Universe Down to Earth

Summary

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry comes a look at foundational concepts of science and astronomy through a vivid lens of familiar objects and situations.

Your personal astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson, transforms everyday experiences into venues of cosmic enlightenment as he probes the philosophy, methods, and discoveries of science, including stellar evolution, the conservation of energy, the electromagnetic spectrum, gravity, and thermodynamics.

Beginning with the history of counting, Tyson takes us up and down the number line from picometers to light-years as he demonstrates the universality of mathematics. We then learn about the scientific method and its importance not only to cutting-edge researchers but also to laypeople like advertising executives, who use it to prove the worth of products that lift stains and absorb excess stomach acid. 

Deftly demystifying astronomical terms and concepts such as the Big Bang, black holes, redshifts, syzygy, and Kirkwood Gaps, Universe Down to Earth traces the life of the stars from birth to death, gives an unorthodox yet entertaining tour of famous constellations, and even tackles modern-day astrology.

In Tyson’s trademark easygoing style, scientific laws relate amusingly to earthly objects such as oven-baked pies, lightbulbs, amusement park rides, Hollywood films, and junk food. Bringing demonstrations of these principles of nature into the living room, Tyson encourages scientific literacy in curious souls of all ages.