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To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery
Linked to a special mini season of the award-winning StarTalk podcast, this enlightening illustrated narrative by the world’s most celebrated astrophysicist explains the universe from the solar system to the farthest reaches of space with authority and humor.
No one can make the mysteries of the universe more comprehensible and fun than Neil deGrasse Tyson. Drawing on mythology, history, and literature—alongside his trademark wit and charm—Tyson and StarTalk senior producer Lindsey Nyx Walker bring planetary science down to Earth and principles of astrophysics within reach. In this entertaining book, illustrated with vivid photographs and art, readers travel with him through space and time, starting with the Big Bang and voyaging to the far reaches of the universe and beyond. Along the way, science greets pop culture as Tyson explains the triumphs—and bloopers—in Hollywood’s all part of an entertaining ride through the cosmos.
The book begins as we leave Earth, encountering new truths about our planet’s atmosphere, the nature of sunlight, and the many missions that have demystified our galactic neighbors. But the farther out we travel, the weirder things get. What’s a void and what’s a vacuum? How can light be a wave and a particle at the same time? When we finally arrive in the blackness of outer space, Tyson takes on the spookiest phenomena of the parallel worlds, black holes, time travel, and more.
For science junkies and fans of the conundrums that astrophysicists often ponder, To Infinity and Beyond is an enlightening adventure into the farthest reaches of the cosmos.
No one can make the mysteries of the universe more comprehensible and fun than Neil deGrasse Tyson. Drawing on mythology, history, and literature—alongside his trademark wit and charm—Tyson and StarTalk senior producer Lindsey Nyx Walker bring planetary science down to Earth and principles of astrophysics within reach. In this entertaining book, illustrated with vivid photographs and art, readers travel with him through space and time, starting with the Big Bang and voyaging to the far reaches of the universe and beyond. Along the way, science greets pop culture as Tyson explains the triumphs—and bloopers—in Hollywood’s all part of an entertaining ride through the cosmos.
The book begins as we leave Earth, encountering new truths about our planet’s atmosphere, the nature of sunlight, and the many missions that have demystified our galactic neighbors. But the farther out we travel, the weirder things get. What’s a void and what’s a vacuum? How can light be a wave and a particle at the same time? When we finally arrive in the blackness of outer space, Tyson takes on the spookiest phenomena of the parallel worlds, black holes, time travel, and more.
For science junkies and fans of the conundrums that astrophysicists often ponder, To Infinity and Beyond is an enlightening adventure into the farthest reaches of the cosmos.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2023
883 people are currently reading
10575 people want to read
About the author
Neil deGrasse Tyson
92 books285k followersNeil deGrasse Tyson was born and raised in New York City where he was educated in the public schools clear through his graduation from the Bronx High School of Science. Tyson went on to earn his BA in Physics from Harvard and his PhD in Astrophysics from Columbia.
In 2001, Tyson was appointed by President Bush to serve on a twelve-member commission that studied the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry. The final report was published in 2002 and contained recommendations (for Congress and for the major agencies of the government) that would promote a thriving future of transportation, space exploration, and national security.
In 2004, Tyson was once again appointed by President Bush to serve on a nine-member commission on the Implementation of the United States Space Exploration Policy, dubbed the “Moon, Mars, and Beyond” commission. This group navigated a path by which the new space vision can become a successful part of the American agenda. And in 2006, the head of NASA appointed Tyson to serve on its prestigious Advisory Council, which guides NASA through its perennial need to fit ambitious visions into restricted budgets.
In addition to dozens of professional publications, Dr. Tyson has written, and continues to write for the public. From 1995 to 2005, Tyson was a monthly essayist for Natural History magazine under the title Universe. And among Tyson’s fifteen books is his memoir The Sky is Not the Limit: Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist; and Origins: Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution, co-written with Donald Goldsmith. Origins is the companion book to the PBS NOVA four-part mini-series Origins, in which Tyson served as on-camera host. The program premiered in September 2004.
Two of Tyson’s other books are the playful and informative Death By Black Hole and Other Cosmic Quandaries, which was a New York Times bestseller, and The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America’s Favorite Planet, chronicling his experience at the center of the controversy over Pluto’s planetary status. The PBS NOVA documentary The Pluto Files, based on the book, premiered in March 2010.
In February 2012, Tyson released his tenth book, containing every thought he has ever had on the past, present, and future of space exploration: Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier.
For five seasons, beginning in the fall of 2006, Tyson appeared as the on-camera host of PBS NOVA’s spinoff program NOVA ScienceNOW, which is an accessible look at the frontier of all the science that shapes the understanding of our place in the universe.
During the summer of 2009 Tyson identified a cadre of professional standup comedians to assist his effort in bringing science to commercial radio with the NSF-funded pilot program StarTalk. Now also a popular Podcast, for three years it enjoyed a limited-run Television Series on the National Geographic Channel. StarTalk combines celebrity guests with informative yet playful banter. The target audience is all those people who never thought they would, or could, like science. In its first year on television and in three successive seasons, it was nominated for a Best Informational Programming Emmy.
Tyson is the recipient of twenty-one honorary doctorates and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest award given by NASA to a non-government citizen. His contributions to the public appreciation of the cosmos have been recognized by the International Astronomical Union in their official naming of asteroid “13123 Tyson.” And by zoologists, with the naming of Indirani Tysoni, a native species of leaping frog in India. On the lighter side, Tyson was voted “Sexiest Astrophysicist Alive” by People Magazine in 2000.
More recently, Tyson published Astrophysics for People In A Hurry in 2017, which was a domestic and international bestseller. This adorably readable book is an introduction to all that you’ve read and heard about that’s making news in the universe—consummated, in one plac
In 2001, Tyson was appointed by President Bush to serve on a twelve-member commission that studied the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry. The final report was published in 2002 and contained recommendations (for Congress and for the major agencies of the government) that would promote a thriving future of transportation, space exploration, and national security.
In 2004, Tyson was once again appointed by President Bush to serve on a nine-member commission on the Implementation of the United States Space Exploration Policy, dubbed the “Moon, Mars, and Beyond” commission. This group navigated a path by which the new space vision can become a successful part of the American agenda. And in 2006, the head of NASA appointed Tyson to serve on its prestigious Advisory Council, which guides NASA through its perennial need to fit ambitious visions into restricted budgets.
In addition to dozens of professional publications, Dr. Tyson has written, and continues to write for the public. From 1995 to 2005, Tyson was a monthly essayist for Natural History magazine under the title Universe. And among Tyson’s fifteen books is his memoir The Sky is Not the Limit: Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist; and Origins: Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution, co-written with Donald Goldsmith. Origins is the companion book to the PBS NOVA four-part mini-series Origins, in which Tyson served as on-camera host. The program premiered in September 2004.
Two of Tyson’s other books are the playful and informative Death By Black Hole and Other Cosmic Quandaries, which was a New York Times bestseller, and The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America’s Favorite Planet, chronicling his experience at the center of the controversy over Pluto’s planetary status. The PBS NOVA documentary The Pluto Files, based on the book, premiered in March 2010.
In February 2012, Tyson released his tenth book, containing every thought he has ever had on the past, present, and future of space exploration: Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier.
For five seasons, beginning in the fall of 2006, Tyson appeared as the on-camera host of PBS NOVA’s spinoff program NOVA ScienceNOW, which is an accessible look at the frontier of all the science that shapes the understanding of our place in the universe.
During the summer of 2009 Tyson identified a cadre of professional standup comedians to assist his effort in bringing science to commercial radio with the NSF-funded pilot program StarTalk. Now also a popular Podcast, for three years it enjoyed a limited-run Television Series on the National Geographic Channel. StarTalk combines celebrity guests with informative yet playful banter. The target audience is all those people who never thought they would, or could, like science. In its first year on television and in three successive seasons, it was nominated for a Best Informational Programming Emmy.
Tyson is the recipient of twenty-one honorary doctorates and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest award given by NASA to a non-government citizen. His contributions to the public appreciation of the cosmos have been recognized by the International Astronomical Union in their official naming of asteroid “13123 Tyson.” And by zoologists, with the naming of Indirani Tysoni, a native species of leaping frog in India. On the lighter side, Tyson was voted “Sexiest Astrophysicist Alive” by People Magazine in 2000.
More recently, Tyson published Astrophysics for People In A Hurry in 2017, which was a domestic and international bestseller. This adorably readable book is an introduction to all that you’ve read and heard about that’s making news in the universe—consummated, in one plac
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
October 4, 2023
To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery is a typical book by the one and only Neil deGrasse Tyson (here in duo with Lyndsey Nyx Walker), done in his trademark manner: simple but not too simplistic, explained in a way that makes complicated concepts easily accessible, and peppered with gentle humor. We get some basic astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology starting with the tour through our cosmic backyard upwards from the atmosphere and through the Solar System, interstellar travel, quantum physics, origins of spacetime, wormholes and possibility of time travel and parallel universes.
(Oh yeah, and a reminder that poor little Pluto indeed isn’t a planet - of course.)
It’s a book for beginners, I’d say — or those of us who may be a bit better versed in the science described than the intended audience but are fans of Neil deGrasse Tyson, like yours truly. It’s a great introduction to the subject and can get even non-science-inclined readers genuinely interested in astronomy.
Along the way Tyson points out the scientific errors in popular movies, and I loved each takedown dearly, even of the movies I’ve enjoyed.
Very enjoyable, very clear and a few hours well-spent.
4.5 stars, rounding up.
——————
Thanks to NetGalley and National Geographic for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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Also posted on my blog.
(Oh yeah, and a reminder that poor little Pluto indeed isn’t a planet - of course.)
“The resulting silence confirms that in space, not only will no one hear you scream, no one will hear you explode either.”
It’s a book for beginners, I’d say — or those of us who may be a bit better versed in the science described than the intended audience but are fans of Neil deGrasse Tyson, like yours truly. It’s a great introduction to the subject and can get even non-science-inclined readers genuinely interested in astronomy.
Along the way Tyson points out the scientific errors in popular movies, and I loved each takedown dearly, even of the movies I’ve enjoyed.
“Early in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), Tom Cruise’s character ejects as a test pilot from a jet flying at Mach 10.5—approximately 7,000 miles per hour. In the next scene, he’s calmly walking back to base. The hypersonic shock waves at that speed would have flattened him like a bug on a windshield. Just saying.”
————
“Without added mass, the fearsome Hulk might be as squishy as a marshmallow, but less cuddly. A single punch to his fluffy core would send him bopping down the street like a beach ball. A scientifically credible Hulk would make a lousy superhero.
Perhaps the most compelling unanswered question in Hulk’s superhero story is, How do his pants stay on? They must be the stretchiest, strongest cargo pants in the universe. Now that’s a material NASA would love to replicate.”
Very enjoyable, very clear and a few hours well-spent.
4.5 stars, rounding up.
——————
Thanks to NetGalley and National Geographic for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
——————
Also posted on my blog.
November 21, 2023
Since moving to our new home last December, my partner and I have enjoyed stargazing. Where we'd lived in a downtown area, we never saw any stars and it's a wonderful treat to be able to see them again.
Our neighbor has a spotlight on their house which is annoying and dims the stars on that side, but for the most part, we have a beautiful, dark, and glittering sky to admire.
A couple nights ago, my partner came running back inside - I was cold and hadn't gone out. "Jenna," she exclaimed. "It's so amazing, ohmygod, you have to see this!"
She kept gushing in the loud, awe-filled whisper one uses in a medieval cathedral, as though she didn't want to scare the stars away.
"There are sooo many, it's unbelievable! Wait til you see it! It's amazing!".
I jumped up from the couch and followed her outside, not bothering to put on a coat or hat.
The neighbor's lights, except for a small porch light, were off. I was stunned by the beauty of the sky on that side, the part we normally can't see. It was incredible and looked three-dimensional, as though some stars were reaching right down into earth's atmosphere.
I had never seen such a sight and was speechless... for about fifteen seconds.
Then my brain turned on and I thought, there's no way possible that the starry sky can look so three-dimensional. Even if some stars appeared very close, they would still be tiny pin pricks and not seem as though we could reach up and grab them.
With that, the stars disappeared and the tree above me came into view. The porch light was hitting the few wet, brown leaves remaining on its branches, making them glitter and shine. I really could almost reach up and touch them.
To my partner's surprise, I busted out laughing. "Those aren't stars," I managed to get out. "Those are leaves!"
As soon as I said it, the optical illusion disappeared from her eyes too and we couldn't stop laughing, amazed by how our brains had tricked us.
I wished I could get that view back because it was remarkable, one of the most amazing things I've ever not-seen. I can't adequately describe it, nor the awe I felt.
The night sky has mesmerized humans for thousands of years. We modern humans are the first Earthlings to know what stars, planets, and galaxies are and I think the more we know, the more amazing it all is.
Contemplating the vastness of space is enough to send me into paroxysms of wonder and take my breath away. I thrill at the opportunity to learn about space and to read books like this.
In To Infinity and Beyond, Neil deGrasse Tyson starts with earth's atmosphere before venturing into Earth's orbit and beyond. As always, he writes with easy-to-understand language, making physics accessible to all.
Most of what I read was stuff I already knew, so that's why it's only getting 4 stars. However, someone new to astrophysics will probably learn a lot more. He doesn't go into depth, but just skims the surface of things.
I was annoyed at times because the use of pop culture and movies became tedious. One or two movie references are okay but there were a ton more than that. I guess he's trying to make the subject more interesting to a larger group of people which is a good thing even if not something I like. Also, from the Buzz Lightyear phrase title, I should have guessed there would be a lot of pop culture.
There is much to wonder at in the sky above us and all that lies beyond our Earth. I will never tire of learning about it just as i will never tire of gazing at the night sky, even when the stars are just leaves.
Our neighbor has a spotlight on their house which is annoying and dims the stars on that side, but for the most part, we have a beautiful, dark, and glittering sky to admire.
A couple nights ago, my partner came running back inside - I was cold and hadn't gone out. "Jenna," she exclaimed. "It's so amazing, ohmygod, you have to see this!"
She kept gushing in the loud, awe-filled whisper one uses in a medieval cathedral, as though she didn't want to scare the stars away.
"There are sooo many, it's unbelievable! Wait til you see it! It's amazing!".
I jumped up from the couch and followed her outside, not bothering to put on a coat or hat.
The neighbor's lights, except for a small porch light, were off. I was stunned by the beauty of the sky on that side, the part we normally can't see. It was incredible and looked three-dimensional, as though some stars were reaching right down into earth's atmosphere.
I had never seen such a sight and was speechless... for about fifteen seconds.
Then my brain turned on and I thought, there's no way possible that the starry sky can look so three-dimensional. Even if some stars appeared very close, they would still be tiny pin pricks and not seem as though we could reach up and grab them.
With that, the stars disappeared and the tree above me came into view. The porch light was hitting the few wet, brown leaves remaining on its branches, making them glitter and shine. I really could almost reach up and touch them.
To my partner's surprise, I busted out laughing. "Those aren't stars," I managed to get out. "Those are leaves!"
As soon as I said it, the optical illusion disappeared from her eyes too and we couldn't stop laughing, amazed by how our brains had tricked us.
I wished I could get that view back because it was remarkable, one of the most amazing things I've ever not-seen. I can't adequately describe it, nor the awe I felt.
The night sky has mesmerized humans for thousands of years. We modern humans are the first Earthlings to know what stars, planets, and galaxies are and I think the more we know, the more amazing it all is.
Contemplating the vastness of space is enough to send me into paroxysms of wonder and take my breath away. I thrill at the opportunity to learn about space and to read books like this.
In To Infinity and Beyond, Neil deGrasse Tyson starts with earth's atmosphere before venturing into Earth's orbit and beyond. As always, he writes with easy-to-understand language, making physics accessible to all.
Most of what I read was stuff I already knew, so that's why it's only getting 4 stars. However, someone new to astrophysics will probably learn a lot more. He doesn't go into depth, but just skims the surface of things.
I was annoyed at times because the use of pop culture and movies became tedious. One or two movie references are okay but there were a ton more than that. I guess he's trying to make the subject more interesting to a larger group of people which is a good thing even if not something I like. Also, from the Buzz Lightyear phrase title, I should have guessed there would be a lot of pop culture.
There is much to wonder at in the sky above us and all that lies beyond our Earth. I will never tire of learning about it just as i will never tire of gazing at the night sky, even when the stars are just leaves.
December 13, 2023
This book rocked. I’ve probably read 5-10 books by astrophysicists talking about space over the years, and I have always been disappointed when the book either becomes so technical that it is boring/incomprehensible to my lil’ brain and/or it gets all philosophical as if modern science has alas unlocked every existential question.
Finally, this was the book I have been looking for. It was digestible and entertaining (if you think space is cool).
My one little qualm is that Tyson obviously misunderstands and misrepresents religious thought, particularly concerning Creationism. We tend to assume that worldviews we disagree with don’t contain an ounce of nuance or thoughtfulness, and we are usually mistaken. Tyson gives the classic “Christians think the Earth is 5000 years old because that is what the Bible says, but the Bible is wrong because the earth is millions of years old”… case closed. Leave it to a 21st century western scientist to read Jewish meditation literature written 3500 years ago as if it was written to speak to questions of 21st century science.
Finally, this was the book I have been looking for. It was digestible and entertaining (if you think space is cool).
My one little qualm is that Tyson obviously misunderstands and misrepresents religious thought, particularly concerning Creationism. We tend to assume that worldviews we disagree with don’t contain an ounce of nuance or thoughtfulness, and we are usually mistaken. Tyson gives the classic “Christians think the Earth is 5000 years old because that is what the Bible says, but the Bible is wrong because the earth is millions of years old”… case closed. Leave it to a 21st century western scientist to read Jewish meditation literature written 3500 years ago as if it was written to speak to questions of 21st century science.
July 15, 2023
A simple but notable book on the basics of astronomy and cosmology. I love how the author writes it how most anyone can understand. I loved how it started us back in history and built up to modern things going on in the solar system today. I enjoy reading and watching sci-fi so I love how he added in a section on the flaws and truths involved in sci-fi that currently exist. I was thinking I wanted physical copies of his books as I was reading it. I am not a science enthusiast but I was loving the knowledge and wanting to have it in physical to refer back too. I also loved the added photos to refer to. This added to the knowledge for me because I might not have known some of the things he was referring to otherwise and this put it at my fingers. I will be checking out more by him. I gave it a 4.5 but that was mainly because the formatting on my copy was a little messed up but I will be rounding up to a 5 because I am sure the physical copy will not have that.
October 8, 2023
Another informative and enjoyable book on the cosmos and astrophysics from Neil deGrasse Tyson. I didn't totally understand how the collaboration worked here as it really didn't feel like there was a focus on space in pop culture beyond what I've read in his other books, but I enjoyed it.
October 21, 2023
I loved this history of science and the fiction of science fiction. Mr. Tyson takes us through the errors in our group thinking and movie ideas that won't work, all with great story-telling and a sense of humor with methods he usually portrays.
Though I would have rather had Neil's voice, the text-to-speech captured his personality well. I even woke my husband laughing at the phrase, 'Timey Wimey, Wibbly Wobbly.' I was so happy to have my Whovian ticklebone struck so boldly.
I must admit that some things do go over my head, but others make perfect sense. This might be a good reference book to have on hand when specific theories are brought up in real time or fictionally.
I do recommend this book. I picked up my copy from Libby. What a great way to get to read even when funds grow short.
Though I would have rather had Neil's voice, the text-to-speech captured his personality well. I even woke my husband laughing at the phrase, 'Timey Wimey, Wibbly Wobbly.' I was so happy to have my Whovian ticklebone struck so boldly.
I must admit that some things do go over my head, but others make perfect sense. This might be a good reference book to have on hand when specific theories are brought up in real time or fictionally.
I do recommend this book. I picked up my copy from Libby. What a great way to get to read even when funds grow short.
September 18, 2023
This book takes the reader on a trip through space and time, starting on earth and moving to our planetary neighbors and then to the depths of space. It even sprinkles in time travel, black holes, and worm holes.
If you’re a space lover, this book is for you. It breaks down complex problems into everyday language that is easy to understand in the clever and witty way Neil deGrasse Tyson is famous for. I loved the pop culture references peppered in to connect scientific points to everyday life. It’s also a bonus that so many beautiful pictures of space were included.
Thank you NetGalley and National Geographic for providing me with a free, electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re a space lover, this book is for you. It breaks down complex problems into everyday language that is easy to understand in the clever and witty way Neil deGrasse Tyson is famous for. I loved the pop culture references peppered in to connect scientific points to everyday life. It’s also a bonus that so many beautiful pictures of space were included.
Thank you NetGalley and National Geographic for providing me with a free, electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2025
Super fun time and great overview. Loved all the illustrations/images and pop culture call-outs. Time dilation still confuses the shit out of me. Time to go read some Kip Thorne.
August 7, 2024
Astronomy hurts my head to think about but this made it very approachable! Saturn is the best planet btw
September 13, 2023
With affirmative action out of universities, hopefully we soon won’t be stuck with any more of this crap.
October 6, 2023
So I didn’t actually finish this book because I don’t think this is a book you will put back on the shelf forever! I won’t ever be done with this book.
No matter your interest level in astronomy, this book is for you. The content is fascinating and well organized. You can read it cover to cover, but you can also read it out of order, or just look at the pictures, or thumb through reading here and there. It will suck you in no matter how you page through it. And this book is going to last. The quality of the pages, print and binding is so well done.
Audio listeners, it’s worth it to own a hard copy of this book. Really. Listen to it also if you like, but you’ll want to keep this on a table nearby always.
This is a great read. I enjoy all of Tyson’s books but if you have to choose just one, this is it. If you’re like me and own all of his, get this one too!
This book covers not only the usual astronomy topics but our cultural misunderstandings of certain concepts of them and why we’re wrong. There are interesting boxed tidbits throughout, some amazing science history throughout, and stunning artwork.
The quality of the actual book is wonderful and worth every penny.
No matter your interest level in astronomy, this book is for you. The content is fascinating and well organized. You can read it cover to cover, but you can also read it out of order, or just look at the pictures, or thumb through reading here and there. It will suck you in no matter how you page through it. And this book is going to last. The quality of the pages, print and binding is so well done.
Audio listeners, it’s worth it to own a hard copy of this book. Really. Listen to it also if you like, but you’ll want to keep this on a table nearby always.
This is a great read. I enjoy all of Tyson’s books but if you have to choose just one, this is it. If you’re like me and own all of his, get this one too!
This book covers not only the usual astronomy topics but our cultural misunderstandings of certain concepts of them and why we’re wrong. There are interesting boxed tidbits throughout, some amazing science history throughout, and stunning artwork.
The quality of the actual book is wonderful and worth every penny.
November 12, 2023
At times, humorous. Sometimes confusing. My largest complaint about the book is its organization. It is divided into 4 logical divisions, filed with a number of titled "essays", but these are often interrupted by other topics. In the middle of a thought, the book is interrupted by several pages of related material or photos. Therefore, I was constantly skipping several pages to finishing reading a section, then turning back to earlier pages to read the inserted material. That was more than a little irritating.
December 7, 2023
Neil deGrasse Tyson's "To Infinity and Beyond" is a book that focuses on planet Earth rather the outer space. More exactly, it is a combination between aspects about our planet, our ancient dream of traveling to the stars, and the long, bumpy road of scientific and technological progress that made possible the rockets of today. Unlike the main author's previous works, one can notice that this book has more photos. If you are a fan of the Neil deGrasse Tyson, this book is "lighter" than his previous works. This becomes obvious especially if you start reading this book immediately after finishing a more specialized book such as Brian Green's "The Elegant Universe". In any case, "To Infinity and Beyond" is an enjoyable piece pf work packed with useful and interesting information. It follows the well-known style of Tyson of making scientific facts look cool and accessible to a wider audience.
December 29, 2024
To Infinity and Beyond was a tremendous read. It made the vastness of the cosmos feel approachable and awe-inspiring. The book has a remarkable ability to explain complex ideas in a way that's both clear and engaging, without oversimplifying them. The book covers a broad range of topics, from the history of space exploration to the mysteries of the universe, and each chapter left me more excited about our cosmic journey. The author’s passion for science is contagious, and his ability to make you feel like you’re part of this grand adventure is what really stood out. Highly recommend it for anyone curious about space and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
February 1, 2025
This was a bedtime book for over a year. It's pretty dense, especially the second half.
March 30, 2024
Not a fan of Degrasse-Tyson. His constant need to add humour to everything just goes against my personal inclinations to seriousness.
The book had a lot of interesting tidbits of information but it wasn’t structured to make any ultimate points in my view. More like a factoid book.
The book had a lot of interesting tidbits of information but it wasn’t structured to make any ultimate points in my view. More like a factoid book.
November 19, 2023
This was an enjoyable and educational read for me. Neil deGrasse Tyson really knows how to make the complex subject of astrophysics understandable and even entertaining.
A couple of memorable factoids that I learned from this book are:
1) The Milky Way galaxy hosts an estimated 100 million black holes. Since there are approximately 100 billion stars in the galaxy, the ratio of stars to black holes is about 1000 to 1. I had always assumed that black holes were far more rare than that.
2) Time passes more slowly for satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) than it does for us on the surface of the earth because LEO requires the satellite to travel at exceptionally high speeds while still under the influence of a large percentage of the earth surface's gravitational pull. Meanwhile, for satellites in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) or higher, time passes more quickly due to their relatively slower speeds and the significantly decreased influence of gravity (due to their increased distance from the earth). This time distortion (dilation) exactly conforms to Einstein's equations of special and general relativity. GPS and other communications systems that we all rely on today would be rendered useless if these time differentials were not properly accounted for.
A couple of memorable factoids that I learned from this book are:
1) The Milky Way galaxy hosts an estimated 100 million black holes. Since there are approximately 100 billion stars in the galaxy, the ratio of stars to black holes is about 1000 to 1. I had always assumed that black holes were far more rare than that.
2) Time passes more slowly for satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) than it does for us on the surface of the earth because LEO requires the satellite to travel at exceptionally high speeds while still under the influence of a large percentage of the earth surface's gravitational pull. Meanwhile, for satellites in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) or higher, time passes more quickly due to their relatively slower speeds and the significantly decreased influence of gravity (due to their increased distance from the earth). This time distortion (dilation) exactly conforms to Einstein's equations of special and general relativity. GPS and other communications systems that we all rely on today would be rendered useless if these time differentials were not properly accounted for.
August 13, 2024
Veldig oversiktlig guide til alt som befinner seg over hodene våre. Boka starter med atmosfæren, beveger seg til månen, planetene, galaksen, universet og avslutter med kosmologi og kausalitet.
deGrasse Tyson krydrer boka med anekdoter og humor. Anbefaler denne til alle med et snev av interesse for stjernehimmelen. Nå fikk jeg lyst til å lære mer om de ledende kosmologiske hypotesene.
deGrasse Tyson krydrer boka med anekdoter og humor. Anbefaler denne til alle med et snev av interesse for stjernehimmelen. Nå fikk jeg lyst til å lære mer om de ledende kosmologiske hypotesene.
May 14, 2023
To Infinity And Beyond was a fascinating overview of basic astronomy and cosmology.
The book works from the earliest historical ideas of modern astronomy and the surface of the earth outward to encompass the entire universe and the possibility of universe beyond our knowing. One of the most interesting sections was the tour of the solar system where many of the major probes and missions were described along with how they moved forward our understanding of the solar system we call home.
As always, it was amusing to read Tyson's take down of inaccuracies in sci-fi and well as where they got it right. And, of course, no book by Tyson would be complete without its explanation of why Pluto is most accurately described as a dwarf planet rather than a planet.
I could picture this book being used to teach (or at least introduce concepts in) a course in intro to astronomy. It is an example of clear and enjoyable pop science writing.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. #Netgalley #neildegrassetyson #toinfinityandbeyond #astronomy
The book works from the earliest historical ideas of modern astronomy and the surface of the earth outward to encompass the entire universe and the possibility of universe beyond our knowing. One of the most interesting sections was the tour of the solar system where many of the major probes and missions were described along with how they moved forward our understanding of the solar system we call home.
As always, it was amusing to read Tyson's take down of inaccuracies in sci-fi and well as where they got it right. And, of course, no book by Tyson would be complete without its explanation of why Pluto is most accurately described as a dwarf planet rather than a planet.
I could picture this book being used to teach (or at least introduce concepts in) a course in intro to astronomy. It is an example of clear and enjoyable pop science writing.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. #Netgalley #neildegrassetyson #toinfinityandbeyond #astronomy
July 23, 2023
The foremost science educator of our generation, Neil deGrasse Tyson answers our questions about space. What is out there and how does it look, act and even smell. Take a journey through space and time with Tyson and Walker as they explain things in an easy to understand manner.
April 11, 2024
Interesting and digestible view of humanity's discovery of the cosmos.
August 18, 2024
There’s no better author in my opinion than Neil DeGrasse Tyson, whose ability to explain in a rudimentary fashion, the complexities of astrophysics, quantum mechanics and the cosmos. Using everyday scenarios and demonstrations you can perform to explain Barometric pressure, the Doppler Effect, centrifugal force etc. Also, throughout the book, there’s many single-page entries either debunking a well-known myth, interpreting common observable phenomena or explaining a cosmic conundrum. My favorite section is his deceptions of Einsteins General and special theory of relativity and how it monumentally changed the world as we know it today! 🌠✨
If you are interested in cosmology, brand new to the topic or are attempting to read about it for the first time, this is a great start!
If you are interested in cosmology, brand new to the topic or are attempting to read about it for the first time, this is a great start!
December 10, 2023
From escaping the earths atmosphere, to the far reaches of the universe. In between all of that, detailed easy reading information on, life, rocket equation, gravity assist, solar flares, planets and exoplanets, theory of relativity, sound waves, the doppler effect, light waves, red shifting and blue shifting, The cosmic microwave background, gravitational waves, black holes, worm holes, warp speeds, time travel, waves, particles and "wavicles"... This book geniunly takes you on a cosmic discovery, to infinity and beyond!
December 28, 2024
If you’re looking to understand general and special relativity, this book is not for you. There’s definitely more explanatory books. But if you want to know what’s wrong with every space movie and get an introduction to cosmology, would recommend. Makes you realize just how mind boggling the universe is. My brain hurts but in a good way.
August 28, 2024
This is one of those books that I’ll forever recommend for anyone that asks for something new. This book really tickled my pickle. The authors made concepts so understandable… I truly enjoyed every moment. My mind was blown with every turn of the page. I could not get enough. This brings me to a full circle moment.. coming to such an understanding of outside of my realm brings me back to my love and appreciation for biology and our minuscule home on Earth.
December 18, 2023
I loved this book. Took copious notes.
January 25, 2024
6.5-7/10, quite introductory but still a fantastic story that makes the brain gears turn.
August 19, 2025
I love Neil's writing style! He writes how he speaks, and he makes science fun and easy to understand. The first 200 pages flew by for me, but I am also a nerd for science and astrophysics. 🤓
January 12, 2024
Learned a lot. Tremendous amount of new information for me.
March 1, 2025
If you want an easy to understand, fascinating page-turner to get a basic rundown on space some of its key aspects I would strongly recommend this! Plus i love the cover hahah
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