Book review: Astrophysics for young people in a hurry

When do we first realise that we are all budding physicists? Is it as a toddler, when we fall over and gravity inevitably pulls us down rather than up? Possibly. But for most it will be when we look up at night, in awe of the various galaxies, twinkling stars, colourful planets, and shooting meteors that litter the sky above us. This is the world of astrophysics and is the topic covered by this book.

The authors use a mixture of historical discoveries and present unknowns to explain where our understanding currently lies. What is dark matter? How about dark energy? What lies in the gaps between the galaxies? Where do chemical elements come from? Why are we so far unable to find life on other planets? These are just some of the questions analysed in the book.

The authors break down big ideas into digestible chunks, making the story accessible for young people with an interest in the universe around them (or should that be the “multiverse”).

A very pleasurable and informative read. I recommend this to my pupils in years 7 and 8 (ages 11 – 13).

Astrophysics for young people in a hurry, by Neil Degrasse Tyson, Gregory Mone

ISBN-10: 0393356507; ISBN-13: 978-0393356502