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.