Most Popular Books by Neil deGrasse Tyson

“Who can ask for better cosmic tour guides to the universe than Drs. Tyson and Goldsmith?” —Michio Kaku, author of Hyperspace and Parallel Worlds Our true origins are not just human, or even terrestrial, but in fact cosmic. Drawing on recent scientific breakthroughs and the current cross-pollination among geology, biology, astrophysics, and cosmology, ?Origins? explains the soul-stirring leaps in our understanding of the cosmos. From the first image of a galaxy birth to Spirit Rover''s exploration of Mars, to the discovery of water on one of Jupiter''s moons, coauthors Neil deGrasse Tyson and Donald Goldsmith conduct a galvanizing tour of the cosmos with clarity and exuberance.

New York Times Bestseller A luminous companion to the phenomenal bestseller Astrophysics for People in a Hurry. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has attracted one of the world’s largest online followings with his fascinating, widely accessible insights into science and our universe. Now, Tyson invites us to go behind the scenes of his public fame by revealing his correspondence with people across the globe who have sought him out in search of answers. In this hand-picked collection of 101 letters, Tyson draws upon cosmic perspectives to address a vast array of questions about science, faith, philosophy, life, and of course, Pluto. His succinct, opinionated, passionate, and often funny responses reflect his popularity and standing as a leading educator. Tyson’s 2017 bestseller Astrophysics for People in a Hurry offered more than one million readers an insightful and accessible understanding of the universe. Tyson’s most candid and heartfelt writing yet, Letters from an Astrophysicist introduces us to a newly personal dimension of Tyson’s quest to explore our place in the cosmos.

In this thought-provoking follow-up to his acclaimed StarTalk book, uber astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson tackles the world''s most important philosophical questions about the universe with wit, wisdom, and cutting-edge science. 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 these illuminating pages, illustrated with dazzling photos and revealing graphics, Tyson and co-author 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 book will engage and inspire readers of all ages, bring sophisticated concepts within reach, and offer a window into the complexities of the cosmos. or all who loved National Geographic''s StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Cosmos: Possible Worlds, and Space Atlas, this new book will take them on more journeys into the wonders of the universe and beyond.

"[Tyson] tackles a great range of subjects…with great humor, humility, and—most important—humanity." —Entertainment Weekly Loyal readers of the monthly "Universe" essays in Natural History magazine have long recognized Neil deGrasse Tyson''s talent for guiding them through the mysteries of the cosmos with clarity and enthusiasm. Bringing together more than forty of Tyson''s favorite essays, Death by Black Hole explores a myriad of cosmic topics, from what it would be like to be inside a black hole to the movie industry''s feeble efforts to get its night skies right. One of America''s best-known astrophysicists, Tyson is a natural teacher who simplifies the complexities of astrophysics while sharing his infectious fascination for our universe.

Over a year on the New York Times bestseller list and more than a million copies sold. The essential universe, from our most celebrated and beloved astrophysicist. What is the nature of space and time? How do we fit within the universe? How does the universe fit within us? There’s no better guide through these mind-expanding questions than acclaimed astrophysicist and best-selling author Neil deGrasse Tyson. But today, few of us have time to contemplate the cosmos. So Tyson brings the universe down to Earth succinctly and clearly, with sparkling wit, in tasty chapters consumable anytime and anywhere in your busy day. While you wait for your morning coffee to brew, for the bus, the train, or a plane to arrive, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry will reveal just what you need to be fluent and ready for the next cosmic headlines: from the Big Bang to black holes, from quarks to quantum mechanics, and from the search for planets to the search for life in the universe.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Bringing his cosmic perspective to civilization on Earth, Neil deGrasse Tyson shines new light on the crucial fault lines of our time—war, politics, religion, truth, beauty, gender, and race—in a way that stimulates a deeper sense of unity for us all. In a time when our political and cultural views feel more polarized than ever, Tyson provides a much-needed antidote to so much of what divides us, while making a passionate case for the twin chariots of enlightenment—a cosmic perspective and the rationality of science. After thinking deeply about how science sees the world and about Earth as a planet, the human brain has the capacity to reset and recalibrates life’s priorities, shaping the actions we might take in response. No outlook on culture, society, or civilization remains untouched. With crystalline prose, Starry Messenger walks us through the scientific palette that sees and paints the world differently. From insights on resolving global conflict to reminders of how precious it is to be alive, Tyson reveals, with warmth and eloquence, an array of brilliant and beautiful truths that apply to us all, informed and enlightened by knowledge of our place in the universe.

Contributing editors are Charles Liu, astrophysics professor at the City University of New York''s College of Staten Island, and Jeffrey Lee Simons, social media director of StarTalk Radio.

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. With wit, charm, and everyday analogies, he 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 blockbusters: 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 cosmos: 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.

Neil deGrasse Tyson’s #1 New York Times best-selling guide to the cosmos, adapted for young readers. From the basics of physics to big questions about the nature of space and time, celebrated astrophysicist and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson breaks down the mysteries of the cosmos into bite-sized pieces. Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry describes the fundamental rules and unknowns of our universe clearly—and with Tyson’s characteristic wit, there’s a lot of fun thrown in, too. This adaptation by Gregory Mone includes full-color photos, infographics, and extra explanations to make even the trickiest concepts accessible. Building on the wonder inspired by outer space, Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry introduces an exciting field and the principles of scientific inquiry to young readers.

As the youngest-ever Director of the Hayden Planetarium, Neil de Grasse Tyson is America''s best-known astrophysicist, constantly called upon by the media to explain news-making scientific phenomena such as the discovery of water on Mars. How did an African American kid growing up in the Bronx, expected by everyone to become a star athlete, not an intellectual, become an extraordinarily successful scientist? This is the fascinating and moving account of Tyson''s love affair with the night sky, beginning with the fateful day when he, as a small boy, happened to turn a pair of binoculars up toward the moon and was struck with wonder. Packed with gorgeous descriptions of the night sky, The Sky Is Not the Limit invokes the grandeur of the cosmos as it tells Tyson''s compelling personal story. In addition, it is a perceptive look at life and society as seen through the eyes of an astrophysicist, providing a valuable look into how scientists work in, and think about, the social, political, and physical world. From that eye-opening first glimpse of the moon, through his struggle to fulfill his dream of becoming an astrophysicist, to the triumphant opening of the new Hayden Planetarium, Tyson''s story is remarkable.

“Extraordinary.… A feast of history, an expert tour through thousands of years of war and conquest.” —Jennifer Carson, New York Times Book Review In this far-reaching foray into the millennia-long relationship between science and military power, acclaimed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-author Avis Lang examine how the methods and tools of astrophysics have been enlisted in the service of war. Spanning early celestial navigation to satellite-enabled warfare, Accessory to War is a richly researched and provocative examination of the intersection of science, technology, industry, and power that will introduce Tyson’s millions of fans to yet another dimension of how the universe has shaped our lives and our world.

An essential companion to the New York Times bestseller Welcome to the Universe Here is the essential companion to Welcome to the Universe, a New York Times bestseller that was inspired by the enormously popular introductory astronomy course for non science majors that Neil deGrasse Tyson, Michael A. Strauss, and J. Richard Gott taught together at Princeton. This problem book features more than one hundred problems and exercises used in the original course—ideal for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of the original material and to learn to think like an astrophysicist. Whether you’re a student or teacher, citizen scientist or science enthusiast, your guided tour of the cosmos just got even more hands-on with Welcome to the Universe: The Problem Book. The essential companion book to the acclaimed bestseller Features the problems used in the original introductory astronomy course for non science majors at Princeton University Organized according to the structure of Welcome to the Universe, empowering readers to explore real astrophysical problems that are conceptually introduced in each chapter Problems are designed to stimulate physical insight into the frontier of astrophysics Problems develop quantitative skills, yet use math no more advanced than high school algebra Problems are often multipart, building critical thinking and quantitative skills and developing readers’ insight into what astrophysicists do Ideal for course use—either in tandem with Welcome to the Universe or as a supplement to courses using standard astronomy textbooks—or self-study Tested in the classroom over numerous semesters for more than a decade Prefaced with a review of relevant concepts and equations Full solutions and explanations are provided, allowing students and other readers to check their own understanding

“A compelling appeal, at just the right time, for continuing to look up.”—Air & Space America’s space program is at a turning point. After decades of global primacy, NASA has ended the space-shuttle program, cutting off its access to space. No astronauts will be launched in an American craft, from American soil, until the 2020s, and NASA may soon find itself eclipsed by other countries’ space programs. With his signature wit and thought-provoking insights, Neil deGrasse Tyson—one of our foremost thinkers on all things space—illuminates the past, present, and future of space exploration and brilliantly reminds us why NASA matters now as much as ever. As Tyson reveals, exploring the space frontier can profoundly enrich many aspects of our daily lives, from education systems and the economy to national security and morale. For America to maintain its status as a global leader and a technological innovator, he explains, we must regain our enthusiasm and curiosity about what lies beyond our world. Provocative, humorous, and wonderfully readable, Space Chronicles represents the best of Tyson’s recent commentary, including a must-read prologue on NASA and partisan politics. Reflecting on topics that range from scientific literacy to space-travel missteps, Tyson gives us an urgent, clear-eyed, and ultimately inspiring vision for the future.

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry comes a fascinating guide to the most popular questions about the universe. In Neil de Grasse Tyson''s delightful tour of the galaxies, his fictional character Merlin responds to popular astronomy questions asked by adults and children alike. Merlin, a visitor from Planet Omniscia in the Andromeda Galaxy, has been friends with many of the most important scientific figures of the past, including da Vinci, Magellan, Doppler, Einstein, and Hubble—and he often recounts his conversations with these historical figures in his explanations. Merlin''s illuminating answers feature a unique combination of wit and poetry along with serious science explained in refreshingly clear, reader-friendly language. Dear Merlin: Can a person cross our galaxy in a spaceship during one human lifespan? Merlin: In 1905, Merlin''s good friend Albert Einstein introduced the "Special Theory of Relativity," which predicts that time will tick slower and slower the faster you travel. Were you to embark on such an adventure you could conceivably age as little as you wish, depending of course, on your exact speed. The problem arises when you return to Earth, which will have moved several hundred thousand years into the future and everyone will have forgotten about you. A timeless book for lovers of the universe by one of its greatest lights.

An exploration of the controversy surrounding Pluto and its planet status from a renowned astrophysicist at the heart of the controversy.

Bringing his cosmic perspective to civilization on Earth, Neil deGrasse Tyson, bestselling author of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, shines new light on the crucial fault lines of our time–war, politics, religion, truth, beauty, gender, race, and tribalism–in a way that stimulates a deeper sense of unity for us all.

Provides an introduction to the foundations of modern science with an emphasis on astronomy, and includes discussions of numbers, measures, methodology, and terminology

A pocket-style edition based on the New York Times bestseller A Brief Welcome to the Universe offers a breathtaking tour of the cosmos, from planets, stars, and galaxies to black holes and time loops. Bestselling authors and acclaimed astrophysicists Neil deGrasse Tyson, Michael A. Strauss, and J. Richard Gott take readers on an unforgettable journey of exploration to reveal how our universe actually works. Propelling you from our home solar system to the outermost frontiers of space, this book builds your cosmic insight and perspective through a marvelously entertaining narrative. How do stars live and die? What are the prospects of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe? How did the universe begin? Why is it expanding and accelerating? Is our universe alone or part of an infinite multiverse? Exploring these and many other questions, this pocket-friendly book is your passport into the wonders of our evolving cosmos.

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry comes a follow-up guide to more of the most popular questions about the universe. In this companion volume to Merlin''s Tour of the Universe, Neil de Grasse Tyson presents a completely new collection of questions and answers about the cosmos for stargazers of all ages. Whether waxing about Earth and its environs, the Sun and its stellar siblings, the world of light, physical laws, or galaxies near and far, Merlin--a fictional visitor from Planet Omniscia and our guide to the universe--is easy to understand, often humorous, and always entertaining. Merlin fields a wide range of questions from many curious mortals, and in so doing draws on his own vast knowledge as well as the expertise of many close friends, including Archimedes, Galileo, Einstein, and Santa. Merlin hasn''t been stumped yet, responding to questions including: If aliens exploded our moon, what effect would it have on us? What are your thoughts on the theory that a star named Nemesis is circling our solar system and was responsible for killing off the dinosaurs? Is it true that if I leave a container on my roof for a period of time, I can actually collect space particles from outer space? Delightfully illustrated throughout, Just Visiting This Planet is a timeless book for lovers of the universe by one of its brightest lights.

Presenting a rich array of stereoscopic color images, which can be viewed in 3D using a special stereo viewer that folds easily out of the cover of the book, this book reveals your cosmic environment as you have never seen it before. Journey into the vast depths of the observable universe by visualising the most spectacular images in astronomy in stereoscopic 3D. Welcome to the Universe in 3D takes you on a grand tour of the observable universe, guiding you through the most spectacular sights in the cosmos a in breathtaking 3D. Astronomy is the story of how humankind''s perception of the two-dimensional dome of the sky evolved into a far deeper comprehension of an expanding three-dimensional cosmos. This book invites you to take part in this story by exploring the universe in depth, as revealed by cutting-edge astronomical research and observations. You will journey from the Moon through the solar system, out to exoplanets, distant nebulas, and galaxy clusters, until you finally reach the cosmic microwave background radiation (or CMB), the most distant light we can observe. The distances to these celestial wonders range from 1.3 light-seconds to 13.8 billion light-years. Along the way, the authors explain the fascinating features of what you are seeing, including how the 3D images were made using the same technique that early astronomers devised to measure distances to objects in space. The dramatic 3D images in this one-of-a-kind book will astonish you, extending your vision out to the farthest reaches of the universe. You will never look up into the night sky the same way again.

Leading scientists offer a collection of essays that furnish illuminating explanations of recent discoveries in modern astrophysics--from the Big Bang to black holes--the possibility of life on other worlds, and the emerging technologies that make such research possible, accompanied by incisive profiles of such key figures as Carl Sagan and Georges Lemaetre. Original.

E impossivel imaginar alguem melhor do que Neil deGrasse Tyson para explicar o cosmos. As nossas origens n?o s?o apenas humanas, nem terrestres, mas tambem cosmicas. Com base nas mais recentes descobertas cientificas, e no cruzamento de conhecimentos de geologia, biologia, astrofisica e cosmologia, Origens explica as etapas acidentadas da nossa compreens?o do cosmos. Da primeira imagem do nascimento da galaxia a explorac?o de Marte e a descoberta de agua numa das luas de Jupiter, os autores conduzem-nos numa viagem galvanizante pelo cosmos, com clarividencia e exuberancia. Uma verdadeira carta de amor a ciencia e aos misterios, cada vez menos misteriosos, do universo.

Vesmírný posel je prozářen originální básnickou představivostí, ale zároveň nese nezaměnitelnou pečeť Tysonovy racionální mysli inspirované matematikou a vědou. Znáte ty knihy, které se snažíte číst co nejpomaleji, protože nechcete, aby někdy skončily? Vesmírný posel (Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization) je rozhodně jednou z nich. Aby Neil deGrasse Tyson ukázal absurditu stereotypizace, naplnil svou novou knihu myšlenkovými experimenty. Díky nim zjistíte, jak hloupé je dělení lidí podle barvy pleti, sexuality, politického názoru nebo nekonzumace masa. Ono je totiž strašně snadné nalepit na kohokoliv neznámého nálepku jen proto, že jsme se rozhodli, že o něm vlastně víme všechno. Pojďme zkusit převrátit způsob, jakým přemýšlíme, a začít racionalizovat, než abychom informace jen emocionálně přijímali. V době, kdy se naše politické a kulturní názory zdají být polarizovanější než kdy jindy, nabízí Tyson ve své knize tolik potřebný protilék na mnohé z toho, co nás rozděluje. Zároveň vášnivě obhajuje dvojí podstatu osvícení – vesmírnou perspektivu a racionalitu vědy. Nejedná se ale o klasickou knihu o astrofyzice, jak bychom pravděpodobně od autora očekávali. Budete možná překvapeni, ale Tysonovy úvahy se pohybují spíše v oblasti filozofie. I když vědu zcela neopouští – ptá se, jak ve spolupráci s kosmickou perspektivou mění náš náhled na nás samé. Opravdu jsme „pány tvorstva“, jak si naše savčí mozky o sobě rády myslí? S kým by si raději promluvili hypotetičtí návštěvníci z vesmíru – s člověkem, rostlinou, nebo s kolonií mravenců? Odpověď vás možná překvapí… Vesmírný posel nás citlivě provází po vědecké paletě, která svět vykresluje jinak, než jak jsme zvyklí jej vnímat. Tyson s vřelostí a výmluvností sobě vlastní odhaluje řadu překvapivých pravd, od postřehů o řešení globálních konfliktů až po připomenutí, jak vzácné je být naživu.

Con su característico humor y sus provocadoras ideas, Neil deGrasse Tyson, el célebre presentador del programa Cosmos, ilumina el pasado, el presente y el futuro de la exploración del espacio y nos recuerda de manera brillante por qué la NASA es más importante que nunca. Estas crónicas son una lectura provocadora y ágil que reflexionan sobre temas tan diversos como la literatura científica y las dificultades de las misiones espaciales, brindando una visión inspiradora del futuro.

Porque estamos aqui? O que nos faz manter a esperança? Como respondemos a estas perguntas? Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrofísico e autor dos bestsellers O Mensageiro das Estrelas e Astrofísica para Pessoas com Pressa dá-nos algumas pistas para respondermos às perguntas mais antigas da Humanidade Não é segredo que Neil deGrasse Tyson, o astrofísico mais famoso do planeta, tem dedicado a sua vida à exploração do cosmos e dos seus mistérios, bem como à divulgação da ciência junto do grande público. Comunicador nato, herdeiro da missão de Carl Sagan, as suas observações espirituosas e apaixonantes sobre ciência e o universo valeram-lhe uma das maiores comunidades online de seguidores de todos o mundo - seguidores que lhe escrevem em busca de conselho para as mais variadas dúvidas e aflições. Dos milhares de cartas que recebe anualmente, selecionou as 101 missivas presentesneste livro, convidando os leitores a participarem em diálogos fascinantes sobre ciência, fé, filosofia e vida. Com Cartas de um astrofísico, deGrasse Tyson confirma a sua imensa e justificada popularidade e deixa-nos num estado de profundo maravilhamento pelo seu trabalho e pela sua crença inabalável na força da Humanidade. Os elogios da crítica: "O cientista mais famoso do mundo." Sunday Times "Neil deGrasse Tyson é tão bom quanto Carl Sagan. E dizê-lo é dizer muito." Richard Dawkins "Uma inspiração para muitos de nós aqui na NASA." NASA "Brilhante." Booklist "Neil deGrasse é mestre na arte de veicular não apenas a substância da ciência, mas também o entusiasmo e paixão que os cientistas sentem ao praticá-la." Sean Carroll

¿Qué son los agujeros negros? ¿Y los quarks? ¿Tienen sentido las expediciones en busca de vida extraterrestre? Todos nos hemos hecho preguntas como estas, pero lo cierto es que hoy en día pocos tenemos tiempo para contemplar el cosmos e intentar disipar nuestras dudas. Neil deGrasse Tyson nos acerca el universo a la Tierra a través de estas brillantes páginas que podremos leer en cualquier momento y en cualquier lugar, ya sea mientras nos tomamos el café por la mañana o en el autobús camino al trabajo.

Este libro es un epistolario que reúne la correspondencia de 20 años que Neil deGrasse ha mantenido con el público. El astrofísico ha recibido consultas muy diversas que van desde el origen del universo hasta los valores familiares, desde el significado de la vida hasta el porqué de los fenómenos paranormales. El punto de confluencia de las cartas seleccionadas es la búsqueda de la verdad por parte de cada individuo, así como del significado y la comprensión del lugar que cada uno ocupa en el universo. Por supuesto, las intenciones de cada remitente difieren; unos aspiran a ser astrofísicos, otros exponen sus creencias religiosas y hay incluso quienes atacan el conocimiento científico expuesto por DeGrass.

Universet er på én gang vores hjem og en verden af enormt komplekse begreber. Så hvordan skal alle vi, der ikke har en grad i fysik, forstå det? Den berømte amerikanske astrofysiker Neil deGrasse Tysons lille, charmerende bog Astrofysik for travle mennesker er skrevet, så du og jeg kan få en fornemmelse af vores vilde og smukke hjem, mens vi venter på bussen eller morgenkaffen brygger færdig. Her er alle de vigtigste idéer og opdagelser, der ligger til grund for vores moderne forståelse af universet, serveret med liv, vid og en humoristisk pen. Fra Big Bang til sorte huller, fra kvarker til kvantemekanik og mørkt stof og jagten på at opdage exoplaneter og finde andet liv i universet. Neil deGrasse Tyson er en stor formidler, der ikke alene kan forklare astrofysik, så vi alle kan forstå det, men også formår at sætte videnskaben ind i et større perspektiv – og give stof til undren og eftertanke. Han opfordrer os til så ofte som muligt at træde ud, læne nakken tilbage og kigge op i nattehimlen. Fortabe os i, hvor storslået vores univers er og sætte livet og kloden i et kosmisk perspektiv. Astrofysik for travle mennesker er grundlæggende godt selskab – og efterlader en både klogere, mere nysgerrig og fuld af forundring.

Nuestros verdaderos orígenes no son sólo humanos, ni siquiera terrestres, sino cósmicos. Orígenes es un libro sorprendente y absorbente, que empieza con el Big Bang y termina con la búsqueda de vida extraterrestre, en el cual los autores sintetizan los resultados de diversos campos científicos para presentar una especie de consiliencia cosmológica. Orígenes es una excelente guía con la que viajar "de vuelta al principio de todo".

SIGNED EDITIONBringing his cosmic perspective to civilization on Earth, Neil deGrasse Tyson shines new light on the crucial fault lines of our time - war, politics, religion, truth, beauty, gender, and race - in a way that stimulates a deeper sense of unity for us all.In a time when our political and cultural perspectives feel more polarized than ever, Tyson provides a much-needed antidote to so much of what divides us, while making a passionate case for the twin chariots of enlightenment - a cosmic perspective and the rationality of science.After thinking deeply about how science sees the world and about Earth as a planet, the human brain has the capacity to reset and recalibrates life''s priorities, shaping the actions we might take in response. No outlook on culture, society, or civilization remains untouched.With crystalline prose, Starry Messenger walks us through the scientific palette that sees and paints the world differently. From insights on resolving global conflict to reminders of how precious it is to be alive, Tyson reveals, with warmth and eloquence, an array of brilliant and beautiful truths that apply to us all, informed and enlightened by knowledge of our place in the universe.