"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 phenomenon: 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.