COSMIC QUERIES

In this thought-provoking follow-up to his acclaimed Star Talk book, Uber astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson tackles the world's most important philosophical questions about the universe with wit, wisdom, and cutting-edge science. For science geeks, space and physics nerds, and all who want to understand their place in the universe, this enlightening new book from Neil deGrasse Tyson offers a unique take on the mysteries and curiosities of the cosmos, building on rich material from his beloved Star Talk podcast. In these illuminating pages, illustrated with dazzling photos and revealing graphics, Tyson and co-author James Trefil, a renowned physicist and science popularizer, take on the big questions that humanity has been posing for millennia--How did life begin? What is our place in the universe? Are we alone?--and provide answers based on the most current data, observations, and theories. Populated with paradigm-shifting discoveries that help explain the building blocks of astrophysics, this relatable and entertaining book will engage and inspire readers of all ages, bring sophisticated concepts within reach, and offer a window into the complexities of the cosmos. For all who loved National Geographic's Star Talk with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Cosmos: Possible Worlds, and Space Atlas, this new book will take them on more journeys into the wonders of the universe and beyond.

Review

"[An] exuberant and enticing resource."―Booklist

"A lively, richly illustrated celebration of scientific inquiry."―Kirkus Reviews

"A well-organized and well-written book … Tyson explains the cosmos in an understandable way for those who have had some science interest, exposure or classes but who have not majored in science. He is one of the few scientists that can break it down in an understandable way and keep it very interesting."―@litandlife

"Based on the popular talk show and podcast StarTalk, this collection of essays explores many of the universe’s most intriguing mysteries. From dark matter, the Big Bang, and other space oddities to quarks, multiverses, and other quantum curiosities, . . . the authors invite readers to contemplate these fascinating questions which scientists have pondered for centuries. As expected from National Geographic publications, the book is beautifully illustrated. Its stunning color photographs enhance the enjoyment of this cosmic reading journey."―Library Journal

"I love Neil deGrasse Tyson. You can just feel his joy in everything space related and his love of sharing his knowledge."―@bookscookslooks

"In the gulf between the depths of human curiosity and the limits of human ignorance” is a space to ask questions, write astrophysicist Tyson (StarTalk) and physicist Trefil (Imagined Life) in this breezy survey of physics’s curiosities. . . . Lay readers curious about the mysteries of the universe will want to take a look."―Publishers Weekly

"Tyson and Trefil succinctly lead the reader through almost every aspect of cosmic history while addressing age-old questions with new verve. . . . Despite the book’s title, arguably its real value is in just how efficiently it covers what we currently know about this chunk of spacetime we call home."―Forbes.com

"Cosmic Queries is a book that can bring astrophysics into the orbit of even the most novice space explorer. … I have never been so at ease reading a science text in my life. The illustrations were so helpful and the format kept me interested throughout the pages. Neil deGrasse Tyson’s engaging style is what really brought me into the book and kept me glued to its pages."―@amysbooketlist (5-star review)

“If you’re a fan of Neil deGrasse Tyson’s StarTalk podcast, you’re bound to find much in this book to enjoy.”―BBC Sky at Night Magazine (4-star review)

About the Author

Legendary astrophysicist NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON is the host of the popular podcast StarTalk Radio and Emmy award-winning National Geographic Channel shows StarTalk and Cosmos. He earned his BA in physics from Harvard and his Ph.D. in astrophysics from Columbia. The author of more than a dozen books, including the best-selling Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, Tyson is the first Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium. He lives in New York City with his wife and two children. Facebook: Neil deGrasse Tyson. Instagram: @neildegrassetyson. Twitter: @neiltyson.

JAMES TREFIL, Clarence J. Robinson Professor of Physics at George Mason University, is internationally recognized not only as a distinguished scientist but also as an expert in making complex scientific ideas understandable. He is the author of numerous magazine articles and books on science for the general public, including both editions of National Geographic's highly successful Space Atlas. He lives in Fairfax, Virginia, with his wife.