Astronomy: A Visual Guide

An introductory illustrated and comprehensive guide to observing and understanding the night sky. This book provides a survey of science's growing understanding of space and includes details of the latest space probes. The most recent photographs from the world's finest observatories and space-based cameras capture the wonder and beauty of the universe. Astronomy covers a wide variety of heavenly Distant stars Planets of the Solar System Comets and shooting stars Eclipses Black holes. Vivid cross-sections of the planets with a concise description and a chart of their relative distance from the sun provide at-a-glance information. A series of monthly sky charts point out constellations, star clusters, galaxies, nebula and more. The sky maps use easy-to-read symbols to identify open and globular star clusters, galaxies and planetary nebula. The constellations are labeled and diagramed. Spectacular images of space phenomenon are further explained with colorful digital graphics. Nebula, clusters, galaxies, etc. are profiled with color images and short descriptions. A pictograph tells whether binoculars or a telescope is required. Astronomy is a fascinating and easy-to-use illustrated reference for amateur astronomers of all levels.

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.