The Sky Is Not the Limit: Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist.

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

I have been an astronomy buff most of my life and have followed the works of Dr. Tyson since I first heard about him in the mid-nineties.

His latest book, written in the style of a memoir, gives insight on the thought processes of an astrophysicist, and what it means to be African American in such an exclusive field. Tyson shares his childhood love for astronomy and how his parents nurtured and encouraged his enthusiasm. From the time of his decision at age nine to be an astrophysicist, Tyson actively pursued his dream, obtaining a B.A. in physics from Harvard University, an M.A. in astronomy from the University of Texas, and an M.Phil. and Ph.D. in astrophysics from Columbia University.

Throughout school, he also pursued sports, earning a varsity letter in wrestling while at Harvard. Tyson relates that prowess in sports is not seen as unusual for African American males, but prowess in science and mathematics is not only seen as unusual, but is considered somehow questionable. In the chapter, "Dark Matter," Tyson talks about his struggles to be seen as an intellectual colleague and equal. As editor of his high school's physical science journal, his qualifications were questioned at Columbia. The first utterance that he heard from a faculty member was an invitation to join the basketball team. Tyson writes, "to spend most of my life fighting these attitudes levies an emotional tax that constitutes a form of intellectual emasculation." He also describes situations familiar to most African American males: being considered uneducated, dangeous and a menace to society. Even astrophysicists are stopped for "driving while black."

Tyson paints the world through the eyes of an astrophysicist who couldn't enjoy watching "Mary Poppins" with his daughter because the moves defy the law of physics. The importance of mathematics in cosmic discovery is illustrated with a few basic equations. Tyson describes the exhilaration of spending hours solving an equation. "During intense computational moments, he says, "I am at peace with my equations as I connect to the cosmic engines that drive our universe." Tyson successfully weaves the latest theories on the origins and the end of the universe with his thoughts about life here at home on Earth.

In spite of its weighty subjects, this book is far from a boring read. Throughout Tyson offers humourous anecdotes from debating whether or not to become an exotic dancer to support himself through graduate school and to being asked to pose for a "Science Studmuffins" calendar, to being complemented on his star-studded tie by Peter Jenning during an on-air report, Tyson has the ability to laugh at himself and show that scientists know how to have fun too!

The greatest promise of The Sky is Not The Limit is in its ability to encourage other African Americans to consider a career in the sciences. If a book like this would have been available when I was a teenager, I might have pursued my own dream of becoming an astronomer.

Tyson describes a life well-lived, filled with satisfaction, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge. In his preface, Tyson says, "I am just a scientist--an astrophysicist--who has tried to bring the universe down to Earth for everybody who wanted to see it. Along the way, I have also tried raise public literacy in science a notch or two. I consider it a privilege to do so."

Beatrice M. Hoggs is an award-winning freelance writer living in Sacramento, CA where her work has been published in Astronomy magazine.