Cosmic Queries: StarTalk’s Guide to Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We’re Going

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars | 3,329 ratings

Price: 11.57

Last update: 01-03-2025


About this item

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 StarTalk podcast. In this illuminating audiobook, Tyson and coauthor 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 audiobook will engage and inspire listeners of all ages, bring sophisticated concepts within reach, and offer a window into the complexities of the cosmos.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Amazon Customer Bob
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great explainer
    Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2024
    This book is great at explaining complex information in simpler terms. Great read.
  • Robert G Yokoyama
    5.0 out of 5 stars I learned so much from reading Cosmic Queries.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2021
    Neil Degrasse Tyson uses two methods to communicate information in the book. Tyson does an excellent job of making science enjoyable through the text and photographs.

    The first method Tyson uses to communicate information is through the text. One interesting fact I learned is that there are 100 billion galaxies in the universe and that 10 stars are created each year. Another interesting fact I learned from reading the test is that the planets are classified in three different ways. The Earth, the planet Mars and Venus are rocky planets. Saturn is a gas planet. Neptune and Uranus are icy planets I did not know that the planets could be grouped as such. I learned that dark matter in the field of astrophysics like dark matter and dark energy that need to be explored. Dark matter is a gravitational force that sucks matter in the universe in. The last piece of information I learned from the text is the water is not only liquid that can be used to detect life on other planets The detection of liquid methane and ammonia are two other signs that life is possible on other planets.

    Neil Degrasse Tyson uses photographs to communicate information in this book. I like the photograph of an European space probe called Gaia. This probe's function is to photograph all of the stars in the sky. There is a beautiful photograph of the surface of Antarctica. This picture is a reference that meteorites landed on the continent and suggests that Antarctica is an starting point of origin of the earth. There is a beautiful photograph of the sky in Acadia National park in Maine. I like this picture because the natural beauty of Maine is on display here. There is a picture from the movie Star Wars that illustrates the concept of exo sociology. Exo sociology is the practice of human beings interacting with aliens from other worlds. I did know there is a field of study called exosociology. I had fun learning that a scene from a sci fi movie is an actual study. I learned so much about the universe from reading Cosmic Queries.
  • Violet Bunny
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Book!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
    Another great book by Neil Tyson! He explains things to the layperson without talking down to them. Included are dozens of beautiful illustrations of the objects that float around in the Universe. There are informative sidebars, plus many humorous tweets by the author. Easy to read, it's definitely one of those "can't put it down" books.
  • Kausar
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good Read though a bit esoteric to understand
    Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2023
    Loved most of the book especially the parts which are relatable and easy to understand. Many new topics or words introduced sound like the ‘best possible hypothesis’ that can explain something, for now. A lot of these are introduced without any background or basic explanation. But I skimmed through those aspects and enjoyed others as I love NDT.
  • Vivian Arnold
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
    Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2024
    Got this for my husband . He liked the book! Highly recommend. Thank you.
  • Mike
    5.0 out of 5 stars A new favorite! So grateful for this book!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2021
    I'm a long-time fan of Star Talk and have been eagerly awaiting this book since I first heard of its upcoming release. I've just spent the evening strolling laps around my apartment, skimming, reading, laughing, and "wow"ing at the gorgeous photos and fascinating blurbs inside.

    It's basically formatted as the perfect book for me, it's got long-form chapters for a traditional "sit down" read, but is also peppered throughout with fascinating blurbs and summaries and factoids and stunning pictures to gawk at, making it the perfect book to either curl up with or pick up and skim through at your fancy. It's the main course and the dessert all in one perfect bite. I know I'll be up with it all night tonight.

    I am an avid science enthusiast but I lack any advanced or formal education, and some books on the subject are a lot less accessible for me, requiring me to slow down quite a bit while reading, but this book delivers all the goods at full speed. I can recognize Tyson's voice in the words, and can enjoy his trademark knack for communicating incredible knowledge and concepts in a fun and memorable way.

    I am a more scientifically literate, dedicated, and driven person because of this man. Thank you, Dr. Tyson and the whole Star Talk team and Nat Geo for making this book!
    Customer image
    Mike
    5.0 out of 5 stars A new favorite! So grateful for this book!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2021
    I'm a long-time fan of Star Talk and have been eagerly awaiting this book since I first heard of its upcoming release. I've just spent the evening strolling laps around my apartment, skimming, reading, laughing, and "wow"ing at the gorgeous photos and fascinating blurbs inside.

    It's basically formatted as the perfect book for me, it's got long-form chapters for a traditional "sit down" read, but is also peppered throughout with fascinating blurbs and summaries and factoids and stunning pictures to gawk at, making it the perfect book to either curl up with or pick up and skim through at your fancy. It's the main course and the dessert all in one perfect bite. I know I'll be up with it all night tonight.

    I am an avid science enthusiast but I lack any advanced or formal education, and some books on the subject are a lot less accessible for me, requiring me to slow down quite a bit while reading, but this book delivers all the goods at full speed. I can recognize Tyson's voice in the words, and can enjoy his trademark knack for communicating incredible knowledge and concepts in a fun and memorable way.

    I am a more scientifically literate, dedicated, and driven person because of this man. Thank you, Dr. Tyson and the whole Star Talk team and Nat Geo for making this book!
    Images in this review
    Customer image Customer image Customer image Customer image
  • Wyz
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for laymen curious about our universe.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2022
    In this nicely illustrated 309 page book Neil deGrasse Tyson examines cosmology and astrophysics in an easy to understand way. Lord knows these topics can be difficult for the vast majority of people to comprehend. The beauty of this book is how the author simplifies esoteric material and doesn't scare the non-science reader. I had a number of science courses in college so there wasn't a lot I couldn't understand; but I could even see those who were not exposed to much science understanding what NDT is writing about. There are quite a number of pictures and illustrations that take up most of the book. That, in part, was why Cosmic Queries was such a fast read. It's a fun romp through the universe.
  • BrenIris
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great
    Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2024
    A great product for a great price. A great gift idea.

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