Tracing the evolution of humankind's pursuit of astronomical knowledge, this resource looks deep into the furthest reaches of space. Children will follow along as the realization that the Earth is not at the center of the universe leads all the way up to recent telescopic proof of planets orbiting stars outside the solar system. In addition to its engaging history, this book contains 21 hands-on projects to further explore the subjects discussed. Readers will build a three-dimensional representation of the constellation Orion.

Pre-history-1600s : stargazers to scientists --1600s : telescopes and gravity -- 1700s-1915 : unveiling the stars -- 1900-1940 : space-time tricks, island universes, and the biggest bang -- 1930s-1970s : discovering the invisible : quasars, pulsars, and black holes -- 1980s-2010s : frothy galaxies, alien planets, and dark energy -- Afterword: what will we find next?