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

Includes index.

What is the universe? -- How do we fit in? -- How the Universe works -- In the beginning -- Fate of the Universe -- Exploring the Universe -- Our corner of the Universe -- Our local star -- Earth's moon -- Comparing the planets -- Mercury and Venus -- Home planet -- Mars, the Red Planet -- Jupiter, king of the planets -- Saturn, the ringed wonder -- New worlds -- Asteroids, meteors, and meteorites -- Icy wanderers -- Distant suns -- Variety of stars -- Clusters of nebulae -- Star birth -- Star death -- Pulsars and black holes -- Milky Way -- Neighbors -- Galaxies galore -- Quasars and other active galaxies -- Universe of life.