Welcome to the Universe: An Astrophysical Tour

"Riveting questions fielded by three top astrophysicists in engaging style, with great illustrations and just a handful of equations. They may just have produced the best book about the universe in the universe."—New Scientist

"Reading through is akin to receiving a private museum tour from an expert scientist. . . . The authors present challenging content in accessible prose as they lead readers from our solar system to the edge of the visible universe, getting into the how and the what of just about everything there is to know about the cosmos. . . . As Tyson, Strauss, and Gott explain the cutting-edge physics of multiverses, superstring theory, M-theory, and the benefits of colonizing space, even seasoned science readers will learn something new."—Publishers Weekly

"As citizens of the cosmos, we are duty bound to explore it. So opine astrophysicists Neil deGrasse Tyson, Michael Struass, and Richard Gott, guides on this bracing expedition through dusty galactic hinterlands and the vast theoretical vistas of Albert Einstein's work."—Nature

"Don't know the difference between a pulsar and a quasar? Pick up this endlessly fascinating book by three astrophysicists that provides a clear, readable introduction to the inner workings of our universe."—Men's Journal

"Welcome to the Universe is more than a breathtaking guide to the cosmos. It is a unique bridge between popular science and textbooks, admirably achieving Tyson's goal to ‘empower you to understand the operations of nature.'"—Cosmos Magazine

"If you have a passing interest in astrophysics and would like to deepen it, this book is for you. . . . An authoritative book written with humour and charm."—Marcus Chown, Times Higher Education

"All three [authors] write in informal, conversational tones, and the text is sprinkled with genuinely funny non sequiturs, such as a brief rumination on dwarfs versus dwarves and commentary on English-speaking aliens in Star Trek. . . . What the book does very well is to present not just what we know about the universe but how we know it."—Science

"Their laudable goal is communicating vast, cosmic ideas in ways that are accessible without being simplistic."—Washington Post

"Learn about everything from the birth of the Universe and quasars to dark energy and exoplanets from three of the coolest guys you'll ever meet."—Annalee Newitz, Ars Technica

"Well written with clear, helpful graphics and glossy pictures accompanying the text. This book would be ideal for those who want a slightly more technical read."—Dr. Chris North, BBC Sky at Night Magazine

"An accessible and comprehensive overview of our universe by three eminent astrophysicists. . . . An entertaining introduction to astronomy."—Kirkus Reviews

"Three of the leading voices in astrophysics take us on a well-illustrated tour that includes Pluto, questions of intelligent life, and whether the universe is infinite."—Philadelphia Inquirer

"The text is written in an informal and approachable style, referencing many popular-culture icons. . . . This book will open up some of the newest and most sophisticated concepts in astrophysics to a general audience, helping all of us better understand the universe we live in."—Booklist

"This book is anything but another ho-hum book on astrophysics. . . . Unlike many popular scientific books that are very esoteric, this one is more like a conversation between expert and interested lay person. . . . [Welcome to the Universe] will be a great read for any non-scientist but also science curious persons. It is certainly a good book for the teacher of science at any level as well as the high school and college student. Any reader will be able to see how some complex scientific thoughts fit together."—NSTA Recommends

"This is an important book. Part fascinating story, part reference book, and part astrophysical textbook, the work presents an information-rich summary of the current state of human knowledge of the cosmos. . . . Reading this book, which packages many entertaining treatments of concepts in astronomy and astrophysics, will make you a whole lot smarter about how the universe works. It is highly recommended."—David Eicher, Astronomy.com

"The authors remind us that even though people are not the center of the universe, we are an intelligent species able to measure, theorize, comprehend, and explore the limits of knowledge. An excellent introduction that will equip readers to follow current astronomical discoveries."—Library Journal

"Astrophysicists Neil deGrasse Tyson, Michael Strauss and J. Richard Gott team up for a readable survey of the universe, from our solar system's worlds to cosmic inflation and the multiverse. They don't stint on the details, and yes, there's some math involved, but it's well worth the journey."—Alan Boyle, GeekWire

"Looking like a cross between a textbook and a coffee-table book, Welcome to the Universe is an extremely readable compilation of introductory astronomy lectures for non-science students. . . . Their talks present physics with clarity and a little levity—with references to pop culture items such as Toy Story and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. Gott even tackles time travel. What's not to like?"—Symmetry Magazine

"Welcome to the Universe is going to turn your head around, because, frankly, what you think you know about the universe is probably wrong. . . . Welcome to the Universe deserves numerous curtain calls for allowing the cosmos to embrace our existential thinking like a great Whitmanesque hug."—Peter Lewis, Philadelphia Inquirer

"A unique intergalactic voyage from our solar system to the outermost frontiers of the universe."—Lisa Kaaki, Arab News

"This entertaining and enlightening book is an overview of the latest discoveries in astrophysics. . . . The writing is witty yet informative, and the book is beautifully illustrated. [Welcome to the Universe] will appeal to all those who wish to learn more about the universe from three internationally prominent astrophysicists."—Forbes.com

"In an informative and entertaining way, the book takes us from the latest discoveries to the edge of outer space, from planets, stars, galaxies, to black holes, wormholes, and time travel."—Wan Lixin, Shanghai Daily

"The book's breadth is impressive. It starts with the basics (the size and scale of the universe) and finishes with a discussion of Einstein, general relativity, and the universe’s fate. . . . The book’s strength is the authors’ ability to write conversationally."—Air & Space Magazine

"This is a great book, managing to be both hugely informative and entertaining—undoubtedly the best and most comprehensive of its kind that I've come across."—FictionFan

"The authors maintain the individual charms of their distinct voices chapter by chapter so the reader has the visceral sense of science shared, passed from one mind to another, almost as though through an oral history—ultimately, a warm welcome to the universe."—Janna Levin, author of Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space

"Readers will enjoy the big ideas in this lively and enjoyable book."—Robert P. Kirshner, author of The Extravagant Universe

"All three of these authors are experts in the field, and they are also engaging writers. This is a very good book. There is nothing on the market that quite matches it."—Sean Carroll, author of The Particle at the End of the Universe: How the Hunt for the Higgs Boson Leads Us to the Edge of a New World

"As an astronomer, I admire the clever and artful way so much frontier cosmology is covered in this book. I enjoyed reading it immensely."—Chris Impey, coauthor of Dreams of Other Worlds: The Amazing Story of Unmanned Space Exploration