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EDITORIAL INFORMATION

As technology continues to thrust us into an even more complex society and an ever increasing number of people become computer literate, it is shocking that so many of us remain unaware of the basic concepts of science. Now in paperback, Universe Down to Earth, by Neil G. Tyson, breaks down the walls of the hallowed halls of science to bring scientific concepts into the living room. Tyson employs household items such as oven-baked pies, tossed tomatoes, dishwashers, fireplaces, and light bulbs, as well as television commercials, amusement parks rides, Hollywood films, and junk food to help the reader relate scientific concepts to his or her everyday life.

This witty and amusing exploration of the physical universe explains fundamental concepts in a language that is clear to anyone with little o rno 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.

Deftly demystifying astronomical terms and concepts such as the Big Bang, black holes, redshifts, syzygy, and Kirkwood gaps, Tyson traces the life of the stars form birth to death, presents the Periodic Table of Elements, highlights noteworthy elements such as titanium, iron, and hydrogen, gives an unorthodox yet entertaining tour of famous constellations, and tackles modern-day astrology. Tyson writes in a lucid, readable style that finally makes scientific literacy possible for boths enthusiasts and those with math and science phobias.

Neil 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 Nueva York City, Dr. Tyson received his B.A. in Physics from Harvard and his Ph. D. in Astrophysics from Columbia. He is the author of the question-and-answer book Merlin's Tour of the Universe, also published by Columbia University Press.

(Extracted from the press release.)

GENERAL TABLE OF CONTENTS

-Preface.

-Acknowledgments.

-List of Figures.

-Part One: Methods of Science.

-A Sentimental Journey to the Googolplex.
-The Structure of Science.
-Measure for Pleasure.
-The Confused Person's Guide to Astronomical Jargon.

-Part Two: Some Unifying Ideas in the Physical Universe.

-Center of Mass.
-Energy.
-The Electromagnetic Spectrum.
-Shapes of Radiation.
-The Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram.
-Highlights from the Periodic Table of the Elements.

-Part Three: Astronomy is Looking Up.

-Menagerie.
-Horrorscope.
-Celestial Windings.

-Index.

OUR REVIEW

If there is something remarkable in this book, it is the clarity in the exposition of the ideas the author intends to communicate. And this is a popular style, certainly difficult to put into practice, especially when the readers may be very disparate people, both in interest and in cultural background. Therefore it can be said that Tyson achieves a great work by providing the simplest of readers with an enormous flow of information on the basic knowledge that, while being attactive per se, amounts to a good foundation for anyone who intends to know how the world we live in is.

It is precisely this clarity in the exposition what makes this work a good addition to our library, where it will be available to everybody. If we had to emphasize some weak points, it is the lacking of a sufficient graphic display, although for a book this size and price it is logical as well as acceptable. We can say that after reading this book as a basic introduction previous to a wider desire to know, the reader will find the essential tools to undertake the adventure of trying to understand much more complex works.

The didactic tendency Tyson shows is truly praiseworthy. His relationship with the famous Hayden Planetarium makes him a logical seeker for the contact of the non-specialist interested in astronomy and science. His divulgative style has in a way a touch of Carl Sagan's, who, by the way, expressed his opinion about the book by saying that it is a sprightly, easy to read introduction to some key ideas of physics and astronomy, marked by well-chosen anecdotes and lucid explanations. An ideal present for anyone interested in science . Of course we subscribe to these words by revered Carl.