Discusses aspects of astronomy such as stars, planets and galaxies, black holes, the Big Bang and life in space. This book includes Web site addresses for images and news. It also includes tables, charts, star and moon maps and features activities that reinforce readers grasp of basic concepts at their own pace.

"A lively, up to date account of the basic principles of astronomy and exciting current field of research." - "Science Digest". For a quarter of a century, "Astronomy: A Self Teaching Guide" has been making students and amateur stargazers alike feel at home among the stars. From stars, planets and galaxies, to black holes, the Big Bang and life in space, this title has been making it easy for beginners to quickly grasp the basic concepts of astronomy for over 25 years. Updated with the latest discoveries in astronomy and astrophysics, this newest edition of Dinah Moche's classic guide now includes many Web site addresses for spectacular images and news. And like all previous editions, it is packed with valuable tables, charts, star and moon maps and features simple activities that reinforce readers grasp of basic concepts at their own pace, as well as objectives, reviews, and self tests to monitor their progress. Dinah L. Moche, PhD (Rye, NY), is an award winning author, educator, and lecturer. Her books have sold over nine million copies in seven languages.

List of Tables.Introduction Cosmic View.Chapter 1. Understanding the Starry Sky.Chapter 2. Light and Telescopes.Chapter 3. The Stars.Chapter 4. The Sun.Chapter 5. Stellar Evolution.Chapter 6. Galaxies.Chapter 7. The Universe.Chapter 8. Exploring the Solar System.Chapter 9. The Planets.Chapter 10. The Moon.Chapter 11. Comets, Meteors, and Meteorites.Chapter 12. Life on Other Worlds?Epilogue.Useful Resources.Periodicals.Directories.Books by Dinah L. Moche.Career Information.Almanacs, Observing Guides, and Star Atlases.Organizations.Astronomy and Space Online.Appendixes.1. The Constellations.2. Physical and Astronomical Constants.3. Measurements and Symbols.4. Periodic Table of the Elements.5. The Nearest Stars.6. The Messier Objects.Index.Star and Moon Maps.Spring Skies.Summer Skies.Autumn Skies.Winter Skies.Moon Map.