In "A Short History of Nearly Everything," Bill Bryson explains the sensation of warmth from the sun as a result of atomic activity. When the sun's rays touch your skin, they are actually excited atoms that produce heat. This phenomenon illustrates the underlying scientific principles of temperature and energy transfer in a simple yet profound way.

Additionally, Bryson discusses how climbing to higher altitudes impacts the number of air molecules surrounding us. As elevation increases, the air becomes thinner, resulting in fewer molecules and reduced collisions. This insight highlights the relationship between atmospheric pressure, elevation, and the sensory experiences we encounter in different environments.