Title: Universe down to Earth /
Authors: Tyson, Neil deGrasse
Publisher: Columbia University Press,
Year: 1994
Subjects: Cosmology Popular works.
Abstract: 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.
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.