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

• Preface Acknowledgements List of Figures Part I: Methods of Science 1. A Sentimental Journey to the Googolplex: A romp through numbers big and small 2. The Structure of Science: Behind the scenes of the scientific process 3. Measure for Pleasure: Measurement is the lifeblood of all science 4. The Confused Person's Guide to Astronomical Jargon: Names and words that do not always mean what they say Part II: Some Unifying Ideas in the Physical Universe 5. Center of Mass: You will never leave home without it 6. Energy: Where it comes from and where it goes 7. The Electromagnetic Spectrum: The world of light 8. Shapes of Radiation: Why blue-hot is hotter than red-hot 9. The Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram: The most unifying concept in all astronomy 10. Highlights from the Periodic Table of the Elements: Some of your best friends are composed of elements Part III: Astronomy Is Looking Up 11. Menagerie: A cynic's guide to the constellations 12. Horrorscope: An astronomer's rebuttal 13. Celestial Windings: Making sense of heavenly motions Suggested Reading Index

A delightful, witty, informal, and wise guide to a sampling of essential principles, processes, and concepts of science. Skeptical Inquirer