Space at the Speed of Light

The History of 14 Billion Years for People Short on Time

By: Becky Smethurst

Narrated by: Becky Smethurst

From the big bang to black holes, this fast-paced tour of time and space for the astro-curious unlocks the science of the stars to reveal fascinating theories, surprising discoveries, and ongoing mysteries in modern astronomy and astrophysics.

Before the big bang, time, space, and matter didn't exist. In the 14 billion years since, scientists have pointed their telescopes upward, peering outward in space and backward in time, developing and refining theories to explain the weird and wonderful phenomena they observed. Through these observations, we now understand concepts like the size of the universe (still expanding), the distance to the next-nearest star from earth (Alpha Centauri, 26 trillion miles) and what drives the formation of elements (nuclear fusion), planets and galaxies (gravity), and black holes (gravitational collapse). But are these cosmological questions definitively answered or is there more to discover?

Oxford University astrophysicist and popular YouTube personality Dr. Becky Smethurst presents everything you need to know about the universe in ten accessible and engaging lessons. In Space at the Speed of Light: The History of 14 Billion Years for People Short on Time, she guides you through fundamental questions, both answered and unanswered, posed by space scientists. Why does gravity matter? How do we know the big bang happened? What is dark matter? Do aliens exist? Why is the sky dark at night? If you have ever looked up at night and wondered how it all works, you will find answers--and many more questions--in this pocket-sized tour of the universe!

An entirely consumable account of deep subjects

This book covers a wide range of topics in astrophysics that is completely understandable to the average person. Through it anyone can understand why we, as humans, study this subject. It is a fascinating discussion of our universe and our place in it. This book is very well worth the time it takes to listen. Being read by the author, her excitement and interest for her subject shows thru and makes it obvious why she chose this for her life's work. Splendid! Well done, indeed!!!

Very Highly Recommended

This book & her other one “A Brief History of Black Holes” are so enjoyable. I absolutely love her narration. The pleasure that I get from her books is akin to Neil DeGrasse Tyson.

Go Dr Becky!

Good read, good reading, good job!

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole bit. when's your next, Dear?

Entertaining and informative

This book was just fun. It’s science-y but not like overwhelming. There were jokes and references to pop culture that made the subject matter easier to understand. Dr. Becky is fantastic and I have watched her YouTube for a while now. I love that she narrated this as it makes the book that much better. I now have the urge to buy a telescope and take a trip to the mountains.

If You Need a Crash Course in Modern Cosmology!

Dr. Smethurst is a treasure to modern cosmology! Her presentation is outstanding as she explains extraordinarily complex cosmological subjects with clarity and precision! So, those of you who thought she only knew about Black Holes - think again! Thoroughly enjoyable!