Popularizing science is important, but in my opinion, it is even more important to popularize science among children. After the warmly received bestseller Neil deGrasse Tyson “Astrophysics for People in a Hurry”, the bull’s-eye version turned out to be a hit for teenagers – “Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry” edited by the aforementioned famous astrophysicist and Gregory Mone, science popularizer and author of books for children. What makes the “for young” version different from the “for adult” version is a lot of photos, graphics and inserts with curiosities, thanks to which the text becomes even more accessible, the chapters themselves are practically the same. Important issues are simplified (but not banalized), and their message remains just as relevant and factually correct. In this way, young scientists can learn the current state of knowledge about cosmology and astrophysics, starting from the Big Bang itself, getting to know the world of elementary particles including the formation of elements, delve into the nature of time, space and the consequences of the limited speed of light, understand the structure of galaxies, and also what is the matter with dark matter – why is it so elusive, but on the other hand it is not as mysterious as the catchy name would indicate.
What’s inside the book?
On the other hand, we will also find here chapters a bit looser, but still relevant as the one about the sphericity of the Earth and why such shapes are preferred in the universe (this is probably the answer of the authors to the spreading “epidemic of” flat lands “on the Internet). The authors of the text also emphasize independent reflection, they are not afraid to admit that scientists are also wrong, but it is inquisitiveness and continuous research that show the beauty of the universe and how much we can learn from it by carefully observing it. In addition, the authors do not treat the reader infantile, but quite seriously try to present scientific facts in simple words and a dose of humor – be it word or image. This is the most commendable attitude that is worth showing to children.
On the technical side, the book is actually accessible to children for about 10 years, although there are terms (despite the glossary at the end) that probably an adult will have to explain. The typeface is slightly larger than in an average book, the amount of information on each page does not overwhelm, and regularly added various graphics make reading more enjoyable and do not tire the young reader. One could even say that the tandem “Astrophysics for People in a Hurry” and “Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry” is a great set to, together with your child, simultaneously explore the beauty of the universe and answer the questions of a young scientist, because as you know, once-ignited curiosity can not be quenched so easily. And this type of books can connect generations, and maybe even adults themselves fascinate with space …