Explore the planets and stars of the universe, and discover the mysteries of the oldest science. Here is a spectacular, thought-provoking, and highly informative guide to the fascinating world of astronomy. Superb full-color photographs of scientific instruments, experiments, and innovative 3-D models reveal the discoveries and research that have transformed our understanding of the Universe. See how sailors navigated by the Sun and stars, where the asteroid belt is, how the planets and constellations were named, why the Earth was considered the center of the Universe, what a black hole is, and the hot volcanic surface of Venus. Learn how space probes photograph planets, what causes a meteor shower, what makes Mars red, why the Sun shines, where the Moon came from, how the first telescopes worked, the stages in the life of a star, and how the Earth's atmosphere sustains life. Discover what creates auroras, why the Zero Meridian is located at Greenwich in England, how the amazing early observatories were built, how Saturn could float on water, the "sound" of our own galaxy, how a comet is formed, and much, much more.