Astronomy: A Visual Guide

In more than 300 energetic pages, Astronomy: A Visual Guide provides up-to-the minute information in a style that will enthrall, entice and entertain readers of all ages. With maximum visual impact and editorial clarity, information is presented through a vibrant combination of photography, illustrations and accessible text.

Astronomy covers the subject in five main sections, at a general readership level. After a brief introduction, Searching the Heavens documents the rise of astronomy from its humble beginnings to the current high-tech space telescopes and observatories that equip astronomers around the world. The Solar System presents a blow-by-blow account of the planets, comets, asteroids and other objects with which the Earth shares its home in space. Stars, Galaxies and Celestial Light introduces the reader to the larger picture: how stars form, live, and die, and how they relate to nebulae and galaxies. A section on The Night Sky advises the amateur on such topics as choosing astronomical equipment and putting it to good use, with a series of detailed star maps. The Universe deals with a few big issues, such as the creation of the Universe, dark energy and wormholes. And finally, a Factfile and Glossary provide additional reference.