Astronomy provides a survey of science's growing understanding of space, including facts on space research and space probes. Packed with stunning images and diagrams, the book features: A wide variety of heavenly phenomenas, including distant stars, the planets of the solar system, comets and shooting stars, eclipses and black holes. Vivid cross-sections of the planets with concise descriptions and a chart of their relative distance from the sun. Spectacular photographs from the world's finest observatories and space-based cameras, many further expertly clarified by digital graphics. Easy-to-read monthly sky maps with symbols to identify open and globular star clusters, galaxies and planetary nebulae. Labeled and diagrammed constellations. Profiles of nebulae, clusters and galaxies. Pictographs showing whether viewings require binoculars or a telescope. Astronomy is a highly recommended, fascinating and easy-to-use illustrated reference for amateur astronomers of all levels. Read Less