Research Catalog

Title

Universe down to Earth / Neil De Grasse Tyson.

Author

Tyson, Neil deGrasse.

Publication

• New York : Columbia University Press, [1994]
• ©1994.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Description

xiv, 277 pages : illustrations; 22 cm

Summary

• This witty, often amusing exploration of the physical universe explains fundamental concepts in a language that is clear even to those with little or no science background. 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 television advertisers, who use it in commercials to prove the worth of products that lift stains, eradicate "ring-around-the-collar," and absorb "excess stomach acid."
• Tyson deftly demystifies astronomical terms and concepts such as the Big Bang, black holes, redshifts, syzygy, and Kirkwood Gaps; traces the life of the stars from birth to death; presents the Periodic Table of Elements, highlighting noteworthy elements such as titanium, iron, and hydrogen; gives an unorthodox yet entertaining tour of famous constellations; and tackles modern-day astrology.
• Universe Down to Earth makes vivid analogies between scientific laws and household items such as oven-baked pies, tossed tomatoes, and lightbulbs, as well as amusement park rides, Hollywood films, and junk food. Consequently, each idea presented etches delightful impressions on the reader's mind.
• Bringing demonstrations of the principles of nature into the living room, Tyson writes in a lucid, easygoing style that finally makes scientific literacy possible for enthusiasts and those with math and science phobias alike.

Subjects

• Cosmology
• Black author
• Cosmology > Popular works
• Popular works
• Cosmology (Astronomy)
• Astronomy > Popular works

Genre/Form

Popular works.

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (pages 253-260) and index.

Contents

pt. 1. Methods of Science. 1. A Sentimental Journey to the Googolplex: A romp through numbers big and small. 2. The Structure of Science: Behind the scenes of the scientific process. 3. Measure for Pleasure: Measurement is the lifeblood of all science. 4. The Confused Person's Guide to Astronomical Jargon: Names and words that do not always mean what they say -- pt. 2. Some Unifying Ideas in the Physical Universe. 5. Center of Mass: You will never leave home without it. 6. Energy: Where it comes from and where it goes. 7. The Electromagnetic Spectrum: The world of light. 8. Shapes of Radiation: Why blue-hot is hotter than red-hot. 9. The Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram: The most uniting concept in all astronomy. 10. Highlights from the Periodic Table of the Elements: Some of your best friends are composed of elements -- pt. 3. Astronomy Is Looking Up. 11. Menagerie: A cynic's guide to the constellations. 12. Horrorscope: An astronomer's rebuttal. 13. Celestial Windings: Making sense of heavenly motions.

Call Number

JSD 95-127

ISBN

• 023107560X
• 9780231075602
• 0231075618
• 9780231075619

LCCN

93032259

OCLC

28926940

Author

Tyson, Neil deGrasse.

Title

Universe down to Earth / Neil De Grasse Tyson.

Publisher

New York : Columbia University Press, [1994]

Copyright Date

©1994.

Type of Content

text

Type of Medium

unmediated

Type of Carrier

volume

Bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 253-260) and index.

Local Note

Schomburg copy with dust jacket.

Connect to:

Table of contents

Indexed Term

Cosmology (Astronomy)

Local Subject

Black author.

Research Call Number

Sc D 18-667

JSD 95-127