The Language of the Stars: The Story of a Few Trillion Years in a Few Hundred Pages

From the author of the bestselling science guide Cosmic Wonder comes a second collection of ways to have an existential crisis. Nathan Hellner-Mestelman takes us right back to the Big Bang, then hurls us through cosmic history as we discover how to swirl up galaxies, solar systems, and eventually life. From molecules to modern society, this book will take you through every reason we’re alive in this universe coupled with every cosmic force trying to kill us. In this quirky medley of science and speculation, we’ll cover every common thread weaving across our cosmos. Ever wondered what atoms, cells, people, refrigerators, the universe, and beer have in common? Come along for a maddening adventure of science in The Language of the Stars!

Nathan Hellner-Mestelman is an avid writer and science communicator. Now 17, he is the author of Cosmic Wonder: Our Place in the Epic Story of the Universe (LLP, 2024). A contributor to Sky’s Up and the former SkyNews magazine, he enjoys sharing our place in the universe with the public. As a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, he does outreach at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory. His work has been featured in the Lonely Planet Anthology, Physics World Magazine, and Math Horizons. His recent award-winning film, Universe Versus You, has been screened at international film festivals. He lives in Victoria, B.C.