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on May 4, 2017
This is a quick tour through the current state of astrophysics in 12 essays. Tyson infuses the subject with his usual dynamic enthusiasm and humor. The subject is not presented especially deep but it is useful for anyone wanting to get a better layman's understanding of the Big Bang (weird stuff), dark matter (weirder stuff), and dark energy (way weirder stuff). Tyson gives you a good appreciation of how chemistry and biology are part of astrophysics. He concludes with an essay on "Reflections on the Cosmic Perspective" that shows even astrophysicists can have great wonder at the universe we live in. Recommended.
on May 2, 2017
Neil Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium, has received considerable acclaim for his outstanding ability to relate scientific ideas to the general public, on television programs such as Cosmos and on social media. His humor and down-to-earth allusions help make even the farthest reaches of space seem accessible. 'Astrophysics for People in a Hurry' doesn't disappoint; Tyson's compelling anecdotes and clear prose shine throughout. His cultural references are especially memorable, from quotes by Shakespeare, the Bible, and a poem by Einstein, to modern-day allusions to Star Trek. There are excellent sections about the origin of the chemical elements (Tyson wonders why the general public is afraid of chemicals) the shape of astronomical bodies (comparing them to hamburgers and hot dogs), and the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. All in all, the book offers a model of clarity in scientific explanation. Highly recommended as an introduction to contemporary astrophysics!
-Paul Halpern, author of The Quantum Labyrinth: How Richard Feynman and John Wheeler Revolutionized Time and Reality
-Paul Halpern, author of The Quantum Labyrinth: How Richard Feynman and John Wheeler Revolutionized Time and Reality
on May 4, 2017
This book is made out to be an "astrophysics for dummies" but it's far more difficult to grasp than I'd imagined. That being said, I'm still glad I read it.
on May 7, 2017
OK, let’s start with understanding that this is NOT “Astrophysics for Dummies”! It’s a quick read on a complex subject. I managed the entire book on the round-trip plane ride between New York and Tampa. I enjoy Mr Tyson, having seen him live and on StarTalk. He’s becoming immensely famous (maybe more than his mentor, Carl Sagan), sometimes I find him almost a caricature of himself (he's just so animated).
Back a bunch of years ago I worked with a gentleman named Tyson who said Neil was his cousin. That forever led him to being referred to as the “less intelligent Tyson”, and so I became of fan of Neil.
Back to the book. In the early 70’s I had 2 or 3 college classes in Honors Physics, so I thought I knew my stuff. But certainly, in 40+ years, besides the Universe expanding, so has the knowledge base of this domain. So, there were some sections I had to read and re-read to grasp at least 75% of what Tyson was describing.
Again, while Tyson does try to offer metaphors for some complexities of the subject, you cannot expect this to be a comic book read. The subject is deep and he cares about it too much to” fudge”. But he’s so into his domain, that he really wants to share it with as many people as he can.
The final chapter is his sobering analysis of the world today and some hope that realizing how small we (all of us earthlings) are in relation to the Universe, why can’t people evolve to realize just how petty their differences (political, social, religious) are.
I for one still struggle with the “multiverse” concept and if the Universe is forever expanding – what is the container that holds it (maybe some giant aquarium owned by entity beyond imagination)?
Back a bunch of years ago I worked with a gentleman named Tyson who said Neil was his cousin. That forever led him to being referred to as the “less intelligent Tyson”, and so I became of fan of Neil.
Back to the book. In the early 70’s I had 2 or 3 college classes in Honors Physics, so I thought I knew my stuff. But certainly, in 40+ years, besides the Universe expanding, so has the knowledge base of this domain. So, there were some sections I had to read and re-read to grasp at least 75% of what Tyson was describing.
Again, while Tyson does try to offer metaphors for some complexities of the subject, you cannot expect this to be a comic book read. The subject is deep and he cares about it too much to” fudge”. But he’s so into his domain, that he really wants to share it with as many people as he can.
The final chapter is his sobering analysis of the world today and some hope that realizing how small we (all of us earthlings) are in relation to the Universe, why can’t people evolve to realize just how petty their differences (political, social, religious) are.
I for one still struggle with the “multiverse” concept and if the Universe is forever expanding – what is the container that holds it (maybe some giant aquarium owned by entity beyond imagination)?
on May 21, 2017
Neil...always knows how to help us understand the world!
on May 30, 2017
While there are some topics that require considerable study for a lay person this book is well worth the effort. Mr Tyson does an excellent job and again displays his extraordinary intelligence.
on May 27, 2017
A "must read" for anyone who has an interest in our universe. Dr. DeGrasse has written this book for young and old alike to enjoy and learn from. Its not "dumbed down" so your intelligence is not insulted. Neither does he get into the theoretical aspects to a point that overwhelms the educated reader. Pick it up.. learn something.. put it down ... pick it back up when you have more time and learn some more..
PERFECT for all of us that are In a Hurry.
PERFECT for all of us that are In a Hurry.
on May 30, 2017
This book was such a fun read. Dr. Tyson has such a gift of describing science, from an unfathomable (to me), esoteric subject like dark matter to bringing the good old periodic table into an interesting and totally fresh new light!
I'm so glad that I saw this title in the NY Times the other day. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every topic in the book!
I'm so glad that I saw this title in the NY Times the other day. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every topic in the book!
