Stellar Alchemy — From Atom to Infinity
About this ebook
You'll travel from the Big Bang and the first elements, through the "iron limit" of stellar fusion, to neutron-star mergersthat forge gold and platinum via the r-process. You'll see why black holes are not only the engines of galaxies but mirrors for our questions about time, freedom, and infinity. Each chapter pairs crystal-clear explanations with striking imagery and quick "starter curiosities" that ignite your imagination.
Inside this book you'll learn:
where the elements in your body came from and why you are, literally, made of stars;
how stellar nucleosynthesis works—fusion, supernovae, the r-process—and how heavy metals are born;
what we know about event horizons, accretion disks, jets, and gravitational waves;
why the Universe stops fusion at iron and what that means for the lives and deaths of stars;
how science and spirituality can meet without contradiction—in a shared space of wonder, humility, and meaning;
where today's frontiers lie: dark matter, dark energy, the multiverse, exoplanets, and the search for life beyond Earth.
Who is it for?
For everyone who loves space: curious readers, teachers, creators, lifelong learners. If you want the language of the starswithout heavy jargon—and without losing depth—this book is for you. It's ideal for book clubs, classrooms, and anyone seeking inspiration as well as understanding.
Why read it?
It explains complex ideas clearly and accurately, avoiding the oversimplifications that twist the science.
It weaves physics, philosophy, and meaning into one coherent story of origin and destiny.
Every chapter ends with practical "Pause & Reflect" prompts—perfect for personal insight, lessons, or discussion.
Stellar Alchemy is both map and compass. A map—because it guides you through the essential milestones of cosmic history. A compass—because it helps you find your place in a story larger than any single life. If you feel that science can be beautiful and knowledge can fuel courage, this book belongs on your shelf.
Look up. Look within. Infinity begins with an atom—and with a single glance at the night sky.
Perfect for readers searching: astronomy book for beginners; astrophysics explained; how the Universe works; origin of elements; black holes and gravitational waves; Big Bang and cosmic evolution; stardust and the chemistry of life; popular science space book; cosmology for curious minds; life in the Universe.
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About the author
Mateusz Janeczek is a passionate explorer of the cosmos and a popularizer of knowledge about the Universe. For years he has been fascinated by astronomy, astrophysics, and the philosophy of space, seeking answers to questions about the origin of matter and humanity’s place in the cosmos. In his books, he blends rigorous scientific insight with spiritual and humanistic reflection, building a bridge between knowledge and inspiration. “Stellar Alchemy — From Atom to Infinity” is the fruit of this passion—an invitation to journey together from the smallest particles to the vastest galaxies.
