Here is a spectacular, thought-provoking, and highly informative guide to the fascinating world of astronomy. Superb full-color photographs of scientific instruments, experiments, and innovative 3-D models reveal the discoveries and research that have transformed our understanding of the Universe. See how sailors navigated by the Sun and stars, where the asteroid belt is, how the planets and constellations were named, why the Earth was considered the center of the Universe, what a black hole is, and the hot volcanic surface of Venus. Learn how space probes photograph planets, what causes a meteor shower, what makes Mars red, why the Sun shines, where the Moon came from, how the first telescopes worked, the stages in the life of a star, and how the Earth's atmosphere sustains life...

The study of the heavens

Ancient astronomy

Ordering the Universe

The celestial sphere

The uses of astronomy

Astrology

The Copernican revolution

Intellectual giants

Optical principles

The optical telescope

Observatories

Astronomers

Spectroscopy

The radio telescope

Venturing into space

The Solar System

The Sun

The Moon

The Earth

Mercury

Venus

Mars

Jupiter

Saturn

Uranus

Neptune and beyond

Travellers in space

The birth and death of stars

Our galaxy and beyond

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Cutting-edge astronomy

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Glossary

Index