Astronomy

This is a beautiful book full of great diagrams illustrating some difficult concepts in astronomy (for example, our place in the universe), wonderfully labeled drawings of planets, and the best of astronomical photographs. There are illustrations on every page. Little boxes of information offer more detail on some subjects ("milestones to the moon" or facts about each planets). The chapters are fairly short and easy to read. After some introductory chapters about exploring the universe and the tools that astronomers use, the book generally goes outward from the earth to the moon, the sun, the solar system, to distant stars (and their exotic varieties), then our galaxy (the Milky Way), other galaxies, quasars, and ideas about the beginning and end of the universe. The tiny star charts weren't very useful, but the glossary is nice. Although the book is aimed at a younger audience, many adults may enjoy the easy to read text and excellent illustrations.