Table of Contents

Preface Acknowledgements List of Figures One: Methods of Science 1. A Sentimental Journey to the GoogolplexA romp through numbers big and small 2. The Structure of ScienceBehind the scenes of the scientific process 3. Measure for PleasureMeasurement is the lifeblood of all science 4. The Confused Person's Guide to Astronomical JargonNames and words that do not always mean what they say Two: Some Unifying Ideas in the Physical Universe 5. Center of MassYou will never leave home without it 6. EnergyWhere it comes from and where it goes 7. The Electromagnetic SpectrumThe world of light 8. Shapes of RadiationWhy blue-hot is hotter than red-hot 9. The Hertzsprung-Russell DiagramThe most unifying concept in all astronomy 10. Highlights from the Periodic Table of the ElementsSome of your best friends are composed of elements Three: Astronomy is Looking Up 11. MenagerieA cynic's guide to the constellations 12. HorrorscopeAn astronomer's rebuttal 13. Celestial WindingsMaking sense of heavenly motions Suggested Reading Index

About the Author

Neil D. Tyson is research scientist in astrophysics at Princeton University and Curator of Astronomy, Hayden Planetarium, American Museum of Natural History. A graduate of the Bronx High School of Science in New York City, Dr. Tyson received his B.A. in Physics from Harvard and his Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Columbia. He is author of the question-and-answer book Merlin's Tour of the Universe, published by Columbia University Press

Reviews

"A delightful, witty, informal, and wise guide to a sampling of essential principles, processes, and concepts of science." -- Skeptical Inquirer