An Introduction to the Universe: The Big Ideas of Astronomy

By: Guy Consolmagno

Narrated by: Guy Consolmagno

Let the beauty of astronomy inspire your contemplation of creation.

An Introduction to the Universe: The Big Ideas of Astronomy will give you a deeper appreciation of the sky and our ever-growing understanding of astronomy. Your guide for this journey through the cosmos is Dr. Guy Consolmagno (PhD, University of Arizona), a renowned astronomer and director of the Vatican's astronomical observatory. In his engaging lectures, you'll deepen your sense of joy as you gaze at the stars and planets.

Astronomy is something everyone can do: it takes no special equipment or specialized education to look at the sky. But you first need to know what to look for. With this in mind, Dr. Consolmagno teaches you how to examine the sky yourself, recognizing its rhythms and regularities.

You'll then explore how professional astronomers and religious texts have understood the stars. As you navigate our solar system and other galaxies, you will explore the meaning of dark energy, dark matter, and the dark skies themselves.

Dr. Consolmagno's talks are not a mere recitation of facts but rather a reminder that, like the stars above, you too are a brilliant and living part of this remarkable universe.

©2017 Now You Know Media Inc. (P)2017 Now You Know Media Inc.

Passionate and So Highly Infectious!

I downloaded several introductory books on astronomy, but this one is my favorite because I caught the author’s obvious passion for the dark sky (the book even comes with a chapter on why we need to fight light pollution). His chapter on his favorite planet was a big surprise and so interesting, but I won’t be a spoiler. Now I know how he won the Carl Sagan award a few years ago for skillfully communicating astronomy to the public. He’s an MIT grad and scholarly, but never condescends; with a youthful kind of enthusiasm he comes off more like the nerdy neighbor dude who’s too into his monomania to go a foot down an ego trip like other celebrity experts. I’m so glad Audible didn’t hire an actor to read this because through the spirit conveyed in his voice I found myself coming into the resonance of the author’s passion for the planets. Now I have the courage—and better, the passion—to sit down and figure out the complicated telescope I bought months ago and closeted! Why hasn’t PBS given him a series yet??

superb book for all

Dr. Guy has a unique way of explaining our universe. His narration boosts the essence of his thoughts through his personal energy and passion. It is transmitted to the listener!

Very Enjoyable

This book combines a basic introduction to astronomy with a philosophical outlook that suggests science and religion can comfortable co-exist. I didn't know exactly what to expect when I started but I'm happy with what I got. Obviously the religion in question is Catholicism, but he presents that side of the story in a very philosophical way which asks the big questions of our place in the universe that are asked by people of many faiths. The narrator keeps the physics very understandable and uses good examples for explaining new concepts.

Not what I was expecting

I went into this completely blind and was not expecting how religious it was. However, despite being non religious myself, I was able to enjoy the science and the Narrator's knowledge and spirituality, even if it's not what I personally believe. He was very passionate about the subject and I appreciated that.

Very interesting listen