Discusses the history of astronomy, including the discovery of the planets, sun, stars, and distant galaxies, and details human exploration of the universe.

First published in 2003. Includes index. "New edition."

What is the universe? -- How do we fit in? -- How the Universe works -- In the beginning -- Fate of the Universe -- Exploring the Universe -- Our solar system -- Our local star -- Earth's moon -- Comparing the planets -- Inner worlds -- Home planet -- Mars, the Red Planet -- King of the planets -- Ringed Saturn -- Outer worlds -- Asteroids and meteors -- Icy wanderers -- Distant suns -- The variety of stars -- Clusters of nebulae -- Star birth -- Star death -- At the end -- The Milky Way -- Galactic neighbors -- Galaxies galore -- Active galaxies -- A Universe of life -- Star maps -- Discovery timeline -- Find out more -- Glossary -- Index.