Origins: 14 billion years of cosmic evolution

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Origins: 14 billion years of cosmic evolution

by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Donald Goldsmith

4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 · rating details · 687 ratings · 41 reviews

review of the origin and evolution of the universe, the planets, starts, and life

hardcover, 345 pages

Published September 28th 2004 by Norton

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Apr 20, 2012 George rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a wonderful tour through basic astronomy into the newer, more unknown aspects of the final frontier. Those who know Mr. Tyson and his efforts to promote "science literacy" might not particularly fancy this. Alternatively, some may already know this information due to textbooks or being in school for the subjects.

I'm one of those people who's in school for something completely unrelated to science and astronomy. While that may be the case, it did its job in informing me of things that may...more

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Jan 05, 2010 Becca rated it 1 of 5 stars

I'm not actually finishing this book. I refuse. The way it's written is so off-putting. It's redundant and smarmy. The authors explained the "photon fog" condition of the early universe fully three times on one page and then again in the next chapter. They also managed to take shots at religion, sci-fi, and non-scientists all within the first 50 pages. And the info that they're writing about isn't even that ground-breaking; they appear to be covering theories that have been around for at least t...more

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Jul 25, 2012 Dan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Origins was a surprisingly easy and enjoyable read. I think that Neil deGrasse Tyson and Donald Goldsmith chose an excellent theme in deciding to write this book through the lens of beginnings. This focus allowed them to cover the basics of everything from the origins of the universe to the beginning of life on earth and beyond in a concise and coherent narrative that expertly shifts the reader's focus between the everyday sensory world, the unimaginably large scale of the galaxies, and the infi...more

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Feb 09, 2012 Caitlin Marineau rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science

I'm a huge fan of Neil deGrasse Tyson (I especially love his podcast, Star Talk), so I thought I would give Origins a try. I love books where you can sense the authors' passion through the text, and this was definitely one of those books. Tyson and Goldsmith explain theories about the origin of the universe, our galaxy and solar system, life on earth, and even speculate about extraterrestrial life, in this generally understandable book. (I say "generally" because, though I think physics is fasci...more

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Oct 03, 2010 asteroidbuckle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: astronomy fans, science buffs

Shelves: science

Despite the complexity of the subject matter, this book was very understandable. That is one of the strengths of Neil DeGrasse Tyson's writing (and that of his writing partner in this project, Donald Goldsmith). That being said, much of the material covered in the book was still beyond my comprehension. However, since I am very interested in the "stuff" out there in the cosmos, I really enjoyed this book.

As the title implies, the book covers topics from the very beginning of the universe to now...more Despite the complexity of the subject matter, this book was very understandable. That is one of the strengths of Neil DeGrasse Tyson's writing (and that of his writing partner in this project, Donald Goldsmith). That being said, much of the material covered in the book was still beyond my comprehension. However, since I am very interested in the "stuff" out there in the cosmos, I really enjoyed this book.

As the title implies, the book covers topics from the very beginning of the universe to now and beyond. A lot of it is, by necessity, theoretical, though strongly based in logic and backed by mathematics. And most of it is simply amazing. For instance, regarding the very first moments of the universe:

The inflationary era lasted from about 10 to the -37 second to 10 to the -33 second after the big bang. During that relatively brief stretch of time, the fabric of space and time expanded faster than light, growing in a billionth of a trillionth of a trillionth of a second from one hundred billion billion times smaller than the size of a proton to about 4 inches. Yes, the observable universe once fit within a grapefruit.

Like I said, amazing. Those with more of a science and math background (or those who don't believe in the big bang) may not find this particularly impressive, but from this layperson's perspective, it was fascinating.

Traveling methodically through the last 14 billion years, the authors endeavor to explain everything from the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy to how planets form to how life on Earth began to the probability of other life in the universe. The verdict? We're very probably not the only ones. Why? 'Cause the universe is just that big and it's unlikely we're the only ones out there.

One of my favorite excerpts comes in the next to last chapter, "Searching for Life in the Milky Way Galaxy." It deals with why no advanced alien life forms have contacted us yet (UFO sightings do not count as scientific evidence):

Why should they? Just what about our planet makes us special to the point that we merit attention from extraterrestrial societies, assuming that they exist? On this point more than any other, humans have consistently violated the Copernican principle [that we're not the center of the universe]. Ask anyone why Earth deserves scrutiny, and you are likely to receive a sharp, angry stare. Almost all conceptions of alien visitors to Earth, as well as a sizable part of religious dogma, rest on the unspoken, obvious conclusion that our planet and our species rank so high on the list of universal marvels that no argument is needed to support the astronomically strange contention that our speck of dust, nearly lost in its Milky Way suburb, somehow stands out like a galactic beacon, not only demanding but also receiving attention on a cosmic scale.

If nothing else, this book really puts our significance in perspective. It's not saying we're not important. But our importance needs to be measured on a much smaller scale than the entire universe. There is so much out there to still be discovered, so much left to learn. To think we're the most interesting things out there is to limit imagination.

And the photos included in the book are absolutely amazing, too.(less)

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Nov 12, 2012 Gary rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science

Loved it. As soon as I finished I started over again. It is written is a relaxed, humorous way.

I read books like this with a pencil so I can underline anything I find interesting. By the time I finished reading there were lines on every other page. There was so much interesting information, neat little tidbits, and fun ways of thinking about the universe. A book like this doesn't HAVE to be fun, I suppose. But it was fun. It was interesting, exciting, and even funny.

I'm enjoying it just as much...more

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Feb 09, 2010 Forn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science, weltgeschichte-history-of-the-world

If you know someone who is mildly interested in cosmology, astrophysics or the origins of life/extraterrestrial life, give them this book to read and they'll become very interested in these topics.
You can clearly feel that the authors are. Their passion is kind of contagious and really made me got out and watch the sky or to find out where the nearest planetarium is located.
The same passion sometimes leads to somewhat lengthy introductions to specific subjects, though. Many times I was excited...more

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Feb 04, 2010 Eric rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In the beginning, something something something happened. Here is something that sort of resembles math describing it. Here are some Greek letters, you remember those, right? Here is a confusing analogy for it. And finally, here is an attempt at a joke that makes you cringe.
That's how I'm afraid I will remember "Origins", which I think is a shame. I like NDT, I enjoyed the PBS Nova special, and I've always been fascinated by astronomy, physics, and cosmology. The book, however, is a bit of a dis...more In the beginning, something something something happened. Here is something that sort of resembles math describing it. Here are some Greek letters, you remember those, right? Here is a confusing analogy for it. And finally, here is an attempt at a joke that makes you cringe.
That's how I'm afraid I will remember "Origins", which I think is a shame. I like NDT, I enjoyed the PBS Nova special, and I've always been fascinated by astronomy, physics, and cosmology. The book, however, is a bit of a disappointment when held against the tremendous potential of the subject matter. NDT is best when talking with his hands, expressing with his face, and with a giant planetarium at his disposal to illustrate his point (this being one of his day jobs). Watching him and seeing his genuine enthusiasm and awe pulls you in and brings you closer to his analogies and explanations. It also helps you shrug off some of his "scientist" humor. In text much of this is lost, to the detriment of the poor reader. For example, his analogy that negative space is shaped "like a saddle" leaves you wondering, "What? Curved up like a u? Down like an n? Both? Neither? Smelly, uncomfortable, and straddling a cosmic horse? Good God man answer me!" Unfortunately without hands or an effective illustration to make the point clearer to a layman, you are left to shrug your shoulders and soldier onward.
In my opinion the most trying chapters by far are the ones that deal with the Universe as a whole. These are also front-loaded in "Origins", so I found myself on page less-than-100 a looooong time. The current theories on origins, expansion, space, dark energy, dark matter, and all of the ENORMOUS issues that comprise what (some) believe to be the best explanations for it all can fill volumes- or a pamphlet. These are the kinds of topics you can summarize in a few sentences with little "meaty" explanation, or you can devote a lifetime of research to understand. Everything I've seen in between leaves you holding the book sideways in confusion. This is the fate of the layman, I suppose, but the book includes full-color illustrations of galaxies, nebulae, planets, and other things. Why couldn't they include conceptual diagrams to help illustrate some of these complicated topics? For cripes sake there is a picture of NDT standing with someone at Arecibo that doesn't illustrate anything at all! Cynicism tells me useful pictures would have cut into the "Pretty picture ink/space" that helped sell the book to those who just wanted to throw it on their coffee table without reading it, as with "A Brief History of Time". The discussions of the cosmological constant, fate of the Universe, dark energy/matter, gravity, other dimensions, and one thing after another give you just enough detail to want to know and understand more... and then it's off to an ending paragraph of navel-gazing, philosophizing, or a joke that rarely hits its mark.
These things wouldn't be so frustrating if NDT weren't very good at what he does, inspiring wonder and curiosity in people about the Universe. For every time I got bogged down, the authors would then reveal a fascinating concept or finding. This is a half awesome, half never-gonna-finish-it book. Many of the revelations are things I had read before, with better explanations, but some people have never been exposed to certain theories. "Origins" does a good job of trying to organize and package a LOT of information in a single volume. This is a strength that makes it worth recommending to some, and a weakness that will leave others feeling its reach (even as a summary volume) far exceeds its grasp. For Baby Boomers who may have lost interest in science after mandatory school, the findings of the last few decades may blow their minds. This book is an excellent summary that can point the way to further reading.
If you can get past the typos, that is. Simple, inexplicable mistakes like missing letters, misspellings, words, and other things even a computerized editor should have found appear everywhere. If you're going to explain to someone the origins and fate of the Universe, galaxies, stars, and planets, at least have a couple of people proofread it. Also, the thinly-veiled harping on issues like Creationism and defense of the scientific method were unnecessary. You're preaching to the choir fellas. Do you really think someone who picked up a book like "Origins" is going to need an explanation of why the scientific method is a valid approach? Use some of that room to flesh out more than a passing reference to topics it's pretty clear you don't feel like discussing, such as String theory, or include a blasted picture of something in the actual context where it's mentioned.
If you're interested in astronomy or astrophysics I recommend buying a relatively recent used textbook over "Origins". It might not look as pretty or fit as conveniently on your living room bookshelf, but it will likely get you closer to the heart of a brave new world of understanding that is constantly expanding. Plus it's unlikely to have as many covert Op-Ed jabs. If that sounds a bit too daunting, pick up "Origins" and you'll at least get a Reader's Digest version of a very, very, VERY big picture.(less)

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Oct 08, 2008 Ryan Lawson rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a great book to contrast Brian Greene's The Elegant Universe. At face value, one would assume that both books are similar because they a) deal with physics and b) cover the universe; but it's not that simple. If there's one thing I've learned from these scientific exposés it's this (best said by Tyson himself!):

"You must also find a way to reconcile two currently incompatible branches of physics: quantum mechanics (the science of the small) and general relativity (the science of the lar...more This was a great book to contrast Brian Greene's The Elegant Universe. At face value, one would assume that both books are similar because they a) deal with physics and b) cover the universe; but it's not that simple. If there's one thing I've learned from these scientific exposés it's this (best said by Tyson himself!):

"You must also find a way to reconcile two currently incompatible branches of physics: quantum mechanics (the science of the small) and general relativity (the science of the large)."

So, if Greene's book was a wonderful insight into the world of quantum mechanics then Tyson's is a perfect example of general relativity in action. (Of course, Greene's manuscript is actually an attempt via string-theory to connect the two conflicting branches of physics; but it still offers a plethora of information in the ways and history of quantum mechanics, more so than general relativity.)

I must say that I am more of a general relativity man myself. Quantum mechanics is too theoretical for me. That's not to say that general relativity doesn't have it's own abrasive theoretical moments, but it's all just easier for me to swallow.

Neil deGrasse Tyson does a splendid job of presenting the information in a way that doesn't overwhelm the reader but also emboldens the reader's sense of intellect. This is a smart book for readers who want to survey the cosmos without becoming completely submersed in the scientific language of its theories.

Perhaps, the best thing about this book (along with Greene's) is that it also gives a detailed history lesson. So, the reader not only gets to let their imaginations run wild with thoughts of deep space exploration, cosmic disasters, tumultuous beginnings, and universal existence but they also are empowered with the knowledge of who is responsible for such discoveries.

This book is also filled with interesting little factoids such as:

"Earth's Moon has about 1/400 of the Sun's diameter, but is also just about 1/400 as far from us as the Sun, giving the Sun and the Moon the same size on the sky--a coincidence not shared by any other plant-moon combination in the solar system, and one that grants earthlings uniquely photogenic total solar eclipses."

Something like that really makes one ponder a divine existence!

It's so amazing to realize that through these scientific books I actually gain an even more confident and spiritual outlook on the universe. Origins just really gives an ultimate sense of connectivity with the cosmos.

Neil covers the origins of the universe and everything within it in an exceptional, learned manner. A special addition to this text, I think, are the two sections of photographs of galaxies, planets, and stars.
(less)

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Sep 25, 2009 Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: science

this book is obviously the predecessor of the fantastic NOVA miniseries, which I absolutely enjoyed. Tyson's genius for explaining the astrophysics in non-genius terms is obvious, but it is his obvious joy in the subject that draws you in and keeps you there. A great read!

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Sep 06, 2012 Vanessa Venturella rated it 5 of 5 stars

Amazing! As someone who has just recently rediscovered my fascination with the cosmos, this book was easy to digest yet gave a good high level overview of the finer points of the current understand of, well, everything. 5 stars!

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Jul 31, 2012 Charles Melendez rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book does a great job explaining one of the most important questions: how did this setting we find ourselves in (planet earth) come to be?
It does a great job explaining complex subjects in lehmans terms

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Jul 09, 2012 Chris Riddle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: brain-stretchers

Thick but we'll worth the digging to get through. Dr Tyson is such an engaging speaker. The writing isn't quite as great, but it does the trick. I thoroughly enjoyed this book

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Jun 02, 2009 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Outstanding. This book helped me to beging to wrap my brain around some physics concepts that I just didn't get before - well written for the lay person. I'm looking forward to reading NDT's other books - just as entertaining in book form as he is on Colbert or the Daily Show. Very recommended!

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Jan 08, 2012 Regina Hunter rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First 30-40 pages I was like, hmm, I heave heard it somewhere?! *Looking back at the cover* Oh yes, I saw the film! Anyway, it was fun to read it.

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Feb 13, 2012 Bruce rated it 4 of 5 stars

Lots of interesting stuff on the origin and structure of the universe, galaxies and the solar system. The part about intelligent life elsewhere in the universe I found less interesting--we really know nothing except we haven't identified any.

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Jan 04, 2009 Kristen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: science, non-fiction, favorites

Answers to most of your questions on the origins of the universe / matter / etc.

I highly recommend it!

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Mar 28, 2009 George rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: non scientists

Shelves: cosmology

Remarkably easy to read but very thorough. One of the primary references I used in my Cosmology Course.

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Aug 12, 2009 Michael Schafer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The whole idea of cosmic evolution is baffling. I'm baffled. Totally intrigued. Definitely.

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Dec 02, 2012 Prem rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Brilliant and mind boggling! Very informative and highly recommended!

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Jun 29, 2009 Ronald Vasicek rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

tough reading for a few chapters. Then very interesting.

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Nov 02, 2012 Bad Penny rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: couldn-t-finish

Sorry, too stupid to understand this :(

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Nov 13, 2009 Allison rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Science written with a sense of humor

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May 16, 2013 James rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: science

A general review of progress made in astronomy/physic with how a list of elements from periodic table relates to the formation of stars and gases in space.

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Jun 17, 2008 Billy Cyr rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Astronomers, physicists, anyone

Recommended to Billy by: Dave Bailey

An elementary introduction to a heady subject. Tyson organizes a simple outline helping the reader travel from the origin of the cosmos, milliseconds after the big bang, to the decoupling and expansion of our universe, to the building of planets, galaxies, and life.

This is an ideal read for someone new to astronomy, cosmology, or astrophysics who does not want to be confused by the mathematical complexities of this subject.

A well written and organized text for your first walk in the stars.

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Nov 08, 2009 Lisa marked it as to-read · review of another edition

I can tell I won't get far before I have to return this to the library. Still, it's fascinating.

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May 12, 2012 Michael Kidd added it

Apparently I did not take enough physics classes to understand much of the book, but it is clear that perhaps as a species we should spend more of our resources on space exploration instead of cell phone games.

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Jun 25, 2009 Brie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: astronomy, non-fiction, 2009

Very informative book. A couple chapters were somewhat confusing, but overall the authors did a great job with the subject matter. It shares a couple chapters with Neil DeGrasse Tyson's Death by Black Hole , but there is still enough new material to keep it interesting.

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Nov 09, 2009 Pablo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So far, so amazing.

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Jan 25, 2013 Derek rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

For anyone who has read Tyson, you know that he recycles ideas in his books. I read no fewer than five ideas in "Origins" that I had already come across in Tyson's other works. Gotta hand it to him, I guess. The man sticks to his guns.

All faults aside, this book was an excellent look at mankind's attempts to discover its origins. Very good read.

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About Neil deGrasse Tyson

Neil 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.

Tyson's professional research interests are broad, but include star formation, exploding stars, dwarf galaxies, and the structure of our...more Neil 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.

Tyson's professional research interests are broad, but include star formation, exploding stars, dwarf galaxies, and the structure of our Milky Way. Tyson obtains his data from the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as from telescopes in California, New Mexico, Arizona, and in the Andes Mountains of Chile.

In 2001, Tyson was appointed by President Bush to serve on a 12-member commission that studied the Future of the US 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 9-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 will help guide NASA through its perennial need to fit its ambitious vision into its restricted budget.

In addition to dozens of professional publications, Dr. Tyson has written, and continues to write for the public. He is a monthly essayist for Natural History magazine under the title Universe. And among Tyson's eight 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 4-part mini-series Origins, in which Tyson serves as on-camera host. The program premiered on September 28 and 29, 2004. And beginning in the fall of 2006, Tyson appears 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.

Tyson's latest two 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.

Tyson is the recipient of nine honorary doctorates and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal. 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. On the lighter side, Tyson was voted Sexiest Astrophysicist Alive by People Magazine in 2000.

Tyson is the first occupant of the Frederick P. Rose Directorship of the Hayden Planetarium. Tyson lives in New York City with his wife and two children.(less)

More about Neil deGrasse Tyson...

Books by Neil deGrasse Tyson

Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries

Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier

The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet

The Sky is Not the Limit: Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist

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“... informed ignorance provides the natural state of mind for research scientists at the ever-shifting frontiers of knowledge. People who believe themselves ignorant of nothing have neither looked for, nor stumbled upon, the boundary between what is known and unknown in the cosmos.” — 10 people liked it

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