Eyewitness Since ancient humans first watched the cycles of the Sun, Moon, and stars, the study of the heavens has evolved from superstition to hi-tech science. This beautiful volume brings vividly to life our compelling exploration of the galaxies - past, present, and future.The sky on any night is the 20th century is nearly the same as the one seen by people who lived thousands of years ago. But advances in technology mean we can now see 1,000 times further into space and have greatly increased our understanding of our solar system and the wider galaxy it is part of. What we know today of distant galaxies, star evolution, comets, meteorites, asteroid belts, supernovae, and black holes, is the result of our enduring fascination with the skies.Featuring stunning space photographs, historical scientific apparatus, and novel demonstrations of key discoveries and ideas, Astronomy is a unique and exciting introduction to the intriguing story of our solar system and beyond.- Here is a spectacular, thought-provoking, and highly informative guide to the fascinating world of astronomy.- Superb full-colour 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 centre of the Universe; what a black hole is; the hot volcanic surface of Venus- Learn how space probes photograph planets; what causes the 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; 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