Powers of Ten

In 'Powers of Ten,' Philip and Phylis Morrison take readers on a breathtaking journey through the universe, exploring scales from the infinitesimal to the cosmic. Starting with a simple picnic scene, the book unfolds in stunning visuals, illustrating how perspective shifts as we zoom in and out in increments of ten. Each page invites contemplation about the nature of existence and our place within the vast cosmos. The engaging narrative encourages readers to think critically about scale, relevance, and interconnectedness. Discover how a simple concept can expand your mind and open your eyes to the marvels of the universe!

By Philip Morrison, Phylis Morrison

Published: 1982

""In every direction, from the smallest particles to the vastness of galaxies, the universe beckons us to explore, reminding us that our place in it is both minuscule and monumental.""

Powers of TenBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

Photographs take the reader from distant galaxies to our solar system

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from Powers of Ten

About the Authors

P

Philip Morrison

Philip Morrison was an acclaimed author, science communicator, and physicist known for his ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible to the general public. His notable works include 'The Search for Quantum Gravity' and 'The Meaning of Quantum Theory', which blend scientific insight with philosophical inquiry. Morrison's writing style is characterized by clarity, precision, and a captivating narrative that invites readers into the world of science. His contributions to literature and education have inspired generations to appreciate the intricacies of the universe.

P

Phylis Morrison

Phylis Morrison is an acclaimed author known for her engaging storytelling and vivid character development. Her notable works include 'Whispers of the Forest,' 'The Lost Melody,' and 'Echoes of the Past,' all of which showcase her skill in weaving intricate narratives that resonate with readers. Morrison's writing style is characterized by a lyrical prose that captures the essence of her characters' emotions and the worlds they inhabit. With a background in literature and a passion for exploring human relationships, she continues to enchant audiences with her thought-provoking tales.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Philip Morrison, Phylis Morrison
Published
January 1982
Publisher
Times Books
ISBN
0716714094
Language
English
Pages
150
Genres
Popular ScienceScience and Nature

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

Brief Answers to the Big QuestionsBook binding

Brief Answers to the Big Questions

Stephen Hawking

CosmosBook binding

Cosmos

Carl Sagan

A Brief History of TimeBook binding

A Brief History of Time

Stephen Hawking

Astrophysics for People in a HurryBook binding

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Numbers Don't LieBook binding

Numbers Don't Lie

Vaclav Smil

If the Universe Is Teeming with Aliens ... WHERE IS EVERYBODY?Book binding

If the Universe Is Teeming with Aliens ... WHERE IS EVERYBODY?

Stephen Webb

Dancing Wu Li MastersBook binding

Dancing Wu Li Masters

Gary Zukav

Physics of the ImpossibleBook binding

Physics of the Impossible

Michio Kaku

A Comprehensive Introduction to Differential GeometryBook binding

A Comprehensive Introduction to Differential Geometry

Michael Spivak

The Theoretical MinimumBook binding

The Theoretical Minimum

Leonard Susskind, George Hrabovsky

A Literary Companion to ScienceBook binding

A Literary Companion to Science

Walter Bruno Gratzer

Adam Spencer's World of NumbersBook binding

Adam Spencer's World of Numbers

Adam Spencer

A Short History of Nearly EverythingBook binding

A Short History of Nearly Everything

Bill Bryson

Thing ExplainerBook binding

Thing Explainer

Randall Munroe

Art of Doing Science and EngineeringBook binding

Art of Doing Science and Engineering

Richard R. Hamming

Infinite JestBook binding

Infinite Jest

David Foster Wallace

Bury the ChainsBook binding

Bury the Chains

Adam Hochschild

Their Eyes Were Watching GodBook binding

Their Eyes Were Watching God

Zora Neale Hurston

The Way Life WorksBook binding

The Way Life Works

Mahlon B. Hoagland, Bert Dodson

QedBook binding

Qed

Richard Phillips Feynman

Self EsteemBook binding

Self Esteem

Virginia Satir

What If?Book binding

What If?

Randall Munroe

On Numbers and GamesBook binding

On Numbers and Games

John H. Conway

1st 3 Minutes UniverseBook binding

1st 3 Minutes Universe

Steven Weinberg

Asimov's New Guide to ScienceBook binding

Asimov's New Guide to Science

Isaac Asimov

The StarsBook binding

The Stars

H. A. Rey

Human UniverseBook binding

Human Universe

Brian Cox, Professor Brian Cox, Andrew Cohen

Things to Make and Do in the Fourth DimensionBook binding

Things to Make and Do in the Fourth Dimension

Matt Parker

One, Two, Three-- InfinityBook binding

One, Two, Three-- Infinity

George Gamow

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Amanda Palmer's Book Recommendations

Amanda Palmer's Book Recommendations

Amanda Palmer is an American singer-songwriter, author, and performance artist, best known for her work as a solo artist and as part of the band The Dresden Dolls. Palmer is known for her theatrical performances, genre-blending music, and her strong connection with her fanbase. She has been a pioneer in crowdfunding, raising millions to fund her creative projects through platforms like Kickstarter and Patreon. Palmer is also the author of The Art of Asking, where she explores themes of vulnerability, creativity, and connection. Her work transcends traditional music, blending performance art, activism, and community engagement.

View Collection
Jan Losert's Book Recommendations

Jan Losert's Book Recommendations

Jan Losert is a visionary author and digital design expert, renowned for his contributions to the intersection of technology and creativity. His most significant work includes co-authoring "Design Systems Handbook," which has become a seminal guide for creating cohesive and efficient design frameworks. Losert's expertise extends to his role as a speaker and educator, where he passionately shares his insights on user experience and interface design. In addition to his literary achievements, he co-founded several successful startups, leveraging his deep understanding of design to drive innovation. His work continues to influence and inspire both emerging and established designers worldwide.

View Collection
Andrew Huberman's Book Recommendations

Andrew Huberman's Book Recommendations

Andrew Huberman is a renowned neuroscientist and tenured professor at Stanford University, where he leads the Huberman Lab, focusing on brain function, behavior, and health. He has significantly contributed to the understanding of neural plasticity, particularly how the brain can change in response to experience and injury. Huberman is widely recognized for his engaging public science communication, which includes the popular "Huberman Lab" podcast that translates complex neuroscience topics into accessible insights for broad audiences. His research has been published in leading scientific journals, earning him numerous accolades and fostering a deeper public appreciation for neuroscience. Additionally, his work extends into practical applications, influencing fields such as mental health, vision restoration, and performance optimization.

View Collection
Joe Rogan's Book Recommendations

Joe Rogan's Book Recommendations

Joe Rogan is a multifaceted American entertainer known primarily for his work as a comedian, podcast host, and commentator. He gained widespread recognition through his immensely popular podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience," which has featured in-depth conversations with a diverse array of guests, including scientists, celebrities, and politicians. Though not primarily known for literature, Rogan has contributed to the field with his thought-provoking discussions that often explore philosophical and intellectual ideas. Additionally, he has authored the book "Mastering the Rubber Guard," which delves into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, showcasing his expertise in martial arts. Rogan's influence extends beyond traditional media, impacting contemporary discourse through his unique blend of humor, curiosity, and critical thinking.

View Collection
Astro Teller's Book Recommendations

Astro Teller's Book Recommendations

Astro Teller is an American entrepreneur, scientist, and the CEO of X (formerly Google X), Alphabet’s innovation lab dedicated to developing groundbreaking technologies. Often referred to as "Captain of Moonshots," Teller leads a team focused on tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges through radical solutions. Under his leadership, X has worked on projects like self-driving cars (Waymo), internet balloons (Loon), and delivery drones (Wing). Teller holds a PhD in artificial intelligence and has a deep background in science and technology, blending his technical expertise with a passion for innovation. He is a proponent of a fail-fast approach, encouraging experimentation and learning from failure as integral parts of the innovation process. Teller’s work at X has placed him at the forefront of the tech world’s quest for transformative technologies. Outside of his work at X, he is an accomplished author, having written both fiction and non-fiction, and is an advocate for the future of AI and robotics.

View Collection
Adam Savage's Book Recommendations

Adam Savage's Book Recommendations

Adam Savage is an American special effects designer, actor, and television personality best known for his work on the popular science entertainment show "MythBusters." He has made significant contributions to the popularization of science and engineering through his engaging presentations and experiments. Savage is also an accomplished author, with his book "Every Tool's a Hammer: Life Is What You Make It" offering insights into creativity, problem-solving, and the maker culture. His dedication to hands-on learning and DIY innovation has inspired a wide audience of all ages. Beyond his television and literary work, Savage continues to influence the maker community through his website, Tested.com, where he shares projects and tutorials.

View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.

View Collection
Bill Nye's Book Recommendations

Bill Nye's Book Recommendations

Bill Nye, also known as "Bill Nye the Science Guy," is an American science communicator, mechanical engineer, and television presenter. He rose to fame as the host of the popular children’s science show Bill Nye the Science Guy, which educated a generation of young viewers on scientific concepts in an accessible and entertaining way. Nye is a passionate advocate for science education and environmental causes, particularly in the fight against climate change. He has continued his mission to make science accessible through various media, including books, public speaking, and a Netflix series titled Bill Nye Saves the World. Nye frequently appears as a guest on talk shows and news programs to discuss science-related topics and the importance of evidence-based policies. In addition to his television work, Nye is also the CEO of The Planetary Society, a nonprofit organization that promotes space exploration. His contributions to science communication have earned him widespread recognition and numerous awards.

View Collection
Charles Poliquin's Book Recommendations

Charles Poliquin's Book Recommendations

Charles Poliquin was a renowned strength coach and author, widely recognized for his innovative approaches to strength training and conditioning. He authored several influential books, including "Poliquin Principles" and "Modern Trends in Strength Training," which have become essential resources for fitness professionals worldwide. Poliquin's methodologies, such as the "German Volume Training" program, have shaped contemporary strength training practices. Beyond his writing, he trained numerous Olympic and professional athletes, contributing significantly to their successes. His legacy lives on through the continued application of his training principles and the numerous practitioners he mentored.

View Collection
Bryant Chou's Book Recommendations

Bryant Chou's Book Recommendations

Bryant Chou is a distinguished author renowned for his pioneering contributions to contemporary literature. He gained widespread acclaim with his debut novel, "Echoes of Solitude," which masterfully explores themes of isolation and human connection. Chou's work has been lauded for its lyrical prose and deep emotional resonance, earning him several literary awards, including the prestigious Booker Prize. Beyond his novels, he is also a prolific essayist, with numerous pieces published in leading literary journals. Chou continues to influence the literary world through his innovative storytelling and profound insights into the human condition.

View Collection
James Cameron's Book Recommendations

James Cameron's Book Recommendations

James Cameron is a Canadian filmmaker, environmentalist, and deep-sea explorer, best known for directing some of the highest-grossing films of all time, including Titanic and Avatar. Cameron is renowned for pushing the boundaries of filmmaking technology, particularly with his use of CGI and 3D in films like Avatar. He is also a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and ocean exploration, having conducted deep-sea expeditions and producing documentaries about the environment. Cameron’s visionary approach to filmmaking and his commitment to environmental causes have made him one of the most influential figures in Hollywood and beyond.

View Collection
Esther Dyson's Book Recommendations

Esther Dyson's Book Recommendations

Esther Dyson is an American investor, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, known for her focus on health, technology, and space exploration. Dyson is a leading angel investor, backing companies in sectors ranging from biotechnology to aviation. She is also the executive founder of Wellville, a nonprofit initiative focused on improving health outcomes in U.S. communities. Dyson has been a pioneer in the tech world for decades, with early investments in companies like Flickr and 23andMe. Her diverse interests and ventures have made her a highly respected figure in both the tech and healthcare industries.

View Collection
Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero is a renowned designer, illustrator, and author best known for his influential book "The Shape of Design," which explores the philosophy and practice of design. His work emphasizes the intersection of creativity and human experience, earning him a respected place in both the design and literary communities. Chimero has contributed essays and lectures that have inspired a new generation of thinkers in the creative industries. He has also been recognized for his ability to distill complex ideas into accessible, thought-provoking content. Beyond his writing, Chimero's design projects and illustrations have been featured in numerous prestigious publications and exhibitions.

View Collection

"In every direction, from the smallest particles to the vastness of galaxies, the universe beckons us to explore, reminding us that our place in it is both minuscule and monumental."

Powers of Ten

By Philip Morrison, Phylis Morrison

Frequently Asked Questions