Astronomical: From Quarks to Quasars: The Science of Space at its Strangest

by Tim James

Guiding us through Einstein's theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, and string theory, Astronomical explains the baffling mysteries of the cosmos: from alien life to the zodiac; from white holes to wormholes; from quasars to quark stars—all within a narrative that is as entertaining as it is edifying.

Does the Big Bang prove the existence of God? What's the Universe expanding into? Is Earth the only planet which supports life?

Space is the biggest, oldest, hottest, coldest, strangest thing a human can study. It's no surprise then, that the weirdest facts in science (not to mention the weirdest scientists themselves) are found in astrophysics and cosmology.

If you're looking for instructions on how to set up your grandad's telescope this book probably isn't for you. In Astronomical, Tim James takes us on a tour of the known (and unknown) universe, focusing on the most-mind boggling stuff we've come across, as well as unpacking the latest theories about what's really going on out there.

Guiding us through Einstein's relativity, quantum mechanics and string theory, Astronomical delves into the baffling corners of the cosmos and tackles the biggest mysteries we face: from alien life to the zodiac; from white holes to wormholes; from quasars to quark stars. This is the science of space at its absolute strangest.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Astronomy, Space, Audiobook, Physics

208 pages, Hardcover

Published November 9, 2021

About the author

Tim James, the author of Fundamental and Elemental, is a science teacher, YouTuber, blogger, and Instagrammer. Raised by missionaries in Nigeria, he fell in love with science at the age of fifteen. After graduating with a master’s degree in chemistry, specializing in computational quantum mechanics, he decided to get straight into the classroom. He lives in England.

Reviews

[R Nair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning : Reading this book may cause this to happen to you -



Also, this book tells you of Eminem's contribution to modern Astrophysics and the weird wobble of Uranus (heh).

Extra points to the author for using the SI system of units instead of football-fields per unit hotdogs.

Highly recommended.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you or anyone you know hasn't read anything about space or astronomy, this is the book you turn to for your/their first taste! It's informative without being dry and it's unapologetically in your face - that is, if you happen to be a flat-earther or something, for the rest of us it's simply cockily hilarious.

In "Astronomical," James serves us our astronomy on an UFO-shaped saucer. He's absolutely amazing at braking down pretty complex science into easily digestible, even funny, language. I mean, seriously, if this book is any indication of how he is as a teacher, he'll be responsible for at least half of the world astronomers in about 15-20 years from now.

The book covers everything from the enormity and absurdity of space to diamond rains (ok, maybe that does fall under absurdity, but you get the point - from a macro look at space to the tiniest detail), and manages to introduce us to some big-name astronomers in the process. Some of those not just a little bit odd either. Kepler, for example, who wrote the following in the introduction of his "Astronomica Nova:"

"Advice for Idiots.
But whoever is too stupid to understand astronomical science, or too weak to believe Copernicus without affecting his faith, I would advise him that, having dismissed astronomical studies and having damned whatever philosophical opinions he pleases, he mind his own business and betake himself home to scratch in his own dirt patch, abandoning this wandering about the world."

I don't think Kepler thought too highly of some of his contemporaries...

Highly recommended, for novice and seasoned pop- and not so pop-science readers alike. You'll learn more if you've never opened a book on space or astronomy before, but James' book - replete with Uranus jokes and all - will make you laugh no matter what.

[GONZA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book that explains in a fun way about planets, space travel and the various ways to get, eventually, first to the Moon and then to Mars. Partly with history and partly with science, the author was able to make not only fascinating a difficult subject like Astronomy, but also understandable.

Libro che spiega in modo divertente i pianeti, i viaggi spaziali e le varie modalità per arrivare, eventualmente, prima sulla Luna e poi su Marte. Un po' con la storia e un po' con la scienza, l'autore é stato capace di rendere non solo affascinante un argomento ostico come l'Astronomia, ma anche comprensibile.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

[Ariel Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've already read Fundamental and Elemental by Tim James which were both phenomenal, and Astronomical was no exception.

He is good at explaining the most essential concepts of the physical sciences while incorporating humor, relatable analogies, and simple drawings.

I also appreciate how there's a sense of time and progression by the way he summarizes major events and breakthroughs in the field all the way up to what is currently being worked on at the time of writing

[El · Rating 4 out of 5]

so the FCC* won't let me be, or let me be me so let me see, they tried to detect me with the LHC** but things feel so empty without me

*Future Circular Collider
** Large Hadron Collider

[Graham Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book, full of interesting facts. A popular science book for the layman.

[Andy Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim James’s Astronomical is a witty and highly accessible tour of the universe’s most bizarre phenomena, from subatomic quarks to colossal quasars. As a science teacher, James excels at distilling daunting concepts—like black holes, quantum mechanics, and dark energy—into clear, engaging explanations peppered with humor and pop culture references. The book’s structure is fast-paced and wide-ranging, touching on everything from the oddities of our solar system to the mind-bending mysteries of modern cosmology.

James’s enthusiasm is infectious, and his analogies and stick-figure diagrams make even the strangest science approachable. While the tone is light and fun, the science remains accurate and thought-provoking, sparking curiosity in readers of all backgrounds. The book doesn’t delve into practical stargazing or advanced technical details, focusing instead on storytelling and the wonder of discovery.

Perfect for anyone with a curious mind—teenagers, adults, or science enthusiasts—Astronomical is a delightful entry point into the wonders of the cosmos. If you enjoy learning and laughing at the same time, this book is a stellar choice.

[Ron Badgerow III · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really wanted to start this review off by saying that this book was "Astronomical!" But, I will digress and begin by simply stating that this book was simply delightful. 😊
I possess a very limited knowledge and an extremely miniscule understanding of most things science related - especially when it comes to astronomy, physics, and (therefore, consequently) astrophysics.
However (and I want to accentuate this "however"), Tim James relays the history and information in such a palatable and fun way, one can't help but somewhat grasp most of the concepts (even if only on a surface level) and enjoy themselves in a most pleasing manner.
I could not recommend this book enough to those with even the slightest bit of curiosity of how the universe works and just how much we still have to learn from and about it.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving five stars because of all the popular science books I have read this one was pitched at the most appropriate level. As a Secondary/High School science teacher, Tim James is well-practised in speaking to intelligent novices and I almost never felt lost, bored or patronised. He uses humour but very sparingly. And, unusually for a non-fiction book, I can actually remember some of the things I learnt while reading it.

[A. Gusenkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an engaging read! Once I picked it up, I didn't want to put it down until I'd read it cover to cover. Everything is explained understandably, but nothing is oversimplified. James' prose is lively and amicable, making the entire book feel not like a lecture but a conversation between friends. The breadth of topics covered is very impressive. This book is a love letter - and fantastic introduction - to astronomy, cosmology, astrobiology, and more.

[xmikerx75 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Massively interesting.

Although my brain now hurts, it's because I've suddenly realized that I'm a bit thick compared to space clever clogs and them smarty pants physics people.

This book however does make things as simple as I think they possibly can be. In x dimensions and stuff.

Excellent book.

[Albert More · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really fancied Tim's book "Elemental", perhaps I expected more from Astronomical. One thing that made me lose confidence in Tim's (and his fact checker's) facts was that he proposed that a good idea would be to use a frequency of pi ("3,14159 vibrations per second") for signals with other civilisations, which is surprisingly stupid. Aliens don't know what a second is.

[Heather Dalgleish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astronomical is scientific yet funny which is rare in this genre. I actually laughed out loud a few times! Quirky random facts are interspersed with really interesting science and the book is all the more memorable as a result...apart from the full name of the V2 rocket.

[Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of this is simply funny, but much of it is interesting and involves what seems to me to be solid physics. I enjoy the discussions of difficult problems and the acknowledgment that there are problems. If you get through the first two or so chapters, it gets better, fast.

[Isaac Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyrical, accessible musings about space for all to enjoy. Felt more like a good chat between the Author and I more than anything! This book is for people who want to learn about space and have no prior knowledge.

[Diego · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Advice for idiots: Whoever is too stupid to understand astronomical science or too weak to believe Copernicus without affecting his faith, I would advise him to mind his own busines and take himself home to scratch in his own dirt patch."

[Ella Catherall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim James is excellent at explaining things in a light and easy-to-understand way, meaning that the book (excuse the pun) flies by, and is enjoyable to boot. Highly recommended.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! Nothing too heavy but definitely gets the mind working. Highly recommend.

[Sharon Reamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice to read and the humor worked for me. Enjoyable romp through the universe.

[Vojtas · Rating 3 out of 5]

First half of the book was fun, full of interesting facts and comparisons, the second was bit borung to me

[Akash Das · Rating 5 out of 5]

That concludes the epic trilogy. I freaking loved this book.

[Jin Shusong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book describes the most important results in the morden astronomy. Although my major is math and I have little knowledge in physics, I find these is only a minor part which is hard for me.

[Arron Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gets a little rushed and wishy-washy toward the end, but otherwise an enjoyable read - just not as good as Fundamental.

[Nerea Blackthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Astronomical by Tim James is a nonfiction book of astronomy, the science of stars. The book talks about many topics related to, evidently, stars (life and death), black holes, solar systems and what kind of solar systems we can find in space, galaxies (it talks of course about our own galaxy: the Milky Way), etc. It talks about many things related to the science of the cosmos. I have found it a very good reading for me, as I am a lover of this science and I do enjoy reading and learning more about it.

It is written in a funny, but scientific and formal way that makes it so easy to read it. It makes funny references to Pirates of the Caribbean movies, from which I myself am a huge fan of. One of these references are when he is talking about black dwarfs and how our star, our sun, will freeze forever, leaving a black pearl behind: the black dwarf. This topic is so captivating for me, and I adore the way the information reveals itself through the hands of the author. Because that's pretty important and no one seems to care about that, about how our entire existence (I mean: human beings, and our very planet). In general, I think that astronomy should be a must-subject on every school, at least the basics of it. In school, teachers don't pay enough attention to this topic and it is usually discarded as an "extra" or something like that, or even don't make an exam of it. But I guess this is a discussion from another post!

I genuinely enjoyed the part in which the author unravels Galileo Galilei's story and how it did not matter that he had evidence because "the Bible was infallibe and had to be interpreted literally". Well, at that time, the Inquisition already existed. They censured him and all works that had any mention of Copernicanism.

It is an absorbing, fascinating book that untangles some astronomical important topics.

I do highly recommend it!

This book will come out tomorrow, so stay tuned to read it! It's a must-read if you love astronomy, science,...! I am sure you'll enjoy this work.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love my library and the serendipity of book discovery. This book was placed prominently on the shelf & just asked to be brought home. Astronomy & fun in an approachable style? I’m in.

There are a lot of fun facts found within. Some I knew, others I did not. It was a lot of fun going through it with my kids. Just watch out for the penile mentions near the end. I had to edit those out.