Origins: Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution
By Neil deGrasse Tyson and Donald Goldsmith
I have a comprehensive library of texts on astronomy and cosmology, and lots of additional things that include
- the original newspaper clippings from the first landing on the moon
- a wonderful special edition (Sept 1975) of Scientific American on the Solar System, with the first chapter by none other than Carl Sagan.
It is always interesting to look back on any of the older books and see how much has changed in our understanding of the cosmos.
For this book, deGrasse Tyson collaborated with another excellent science writer in Donald Goldsmith. The title describes the overall theme quite well - the origin of the universe, galaxies, stars, elements, solar systems, planets, and life. The last chapter discusses the search for extra-terrestrial life. I've also read a couple of Neil deGrasse Tyson's books and always find him a wonderful story teller.
First the synopsis...
Our true origins are not just human, or even terrestrial, but in fact cosmic. Drawing on recent scientific breakthroughs and the current cross-pollination among geology, biology, astrophysics, and cosmology, Origins explains the soul-stirring leaps in our understanding of the cosmos. From the first image of a galaxy birth to Spirit Rover's exploration of Mars, to the discovery of water on one of Jupiter's moons, coauthors Neil deGrasse Tyson and Donald Goldsmith conduct a galvanizing tour of the cosmos with clarity and exuberance.
I read this this in only a few days. As I had a good understanding of the basic facts, it was a great read, with lots of newly discovered material that has only come to light in the last few years, with advances on telescope and computer technology.
I would recommend reading the printed edition (as I did) rather than an e-book, as it contains a number of beautiful high-resolution photographs. Most of the photographs are not mentioned in the text of the book, but extensive captions help guide the reader to understand their context.
Tyson’s passion for science is contagious. The topic is complex but he explains is all so wonderfully and makes esoteric concepts like Dark Matter and Dark Energy so easy to understand.
Definitely 5 stars for anyone interested in science.
