This stunningly illustrated handbook covers every aspect of astronomy. Learn about the history of discoveries in the field and astronomical phenomena, from the earliest human civilizations to the present day, and then take a lavish visual tour of the Solar System, complete with the most spectacular photographs of the planets. A definitive month-by-month guide to the night sky, with profiles of all 88 constellations, over 100 star charts covering both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, and an almanac of astronomical events over the next decade, help you to navigate your way around the night sky, and locate stars, galaxies, and other objects. Also featuring no-nonsense advice on how to observe the skies using the naked eye, binoculars, and telescopes, Astronomy is the perfect guide for keen amateur astronomers, as well as a great reference book for the whole family.