Planets, Stars, and Galaxies: A Visual Encyclopedia of Our Universe » (Reprint)

David A. Aguilar is the Director of Science Information at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Previously, he was the Director of the Fiske Planetarium and Science Center at the University of Colorado. An expert in astronomy and a talented artist, his work reflects his passion for bringing the wonders of space to wider audiences. In this, his first book for National Geographic, he presents the latest discoveries in space to young imaginations in an engaging and scientifically accurate way. David Aguilar lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

Finally, it's here! The farthest reaches of our universe captured in atlas form for young readers. Planets, Stars, and Galaxies is the space book that pushes the boundaries of man's ultimate frontier. The engaging, educational text, written in collaboration with National Geographic experts, includes the latest discoveries about our universe; while specially commissioned artwork by the author illuminates page after page.

Exciting as well as enlightening, Planets, Stars, and Galaxies belongs on every family bookshelf, providing easy reference for school reports and compelling reading on the myriad mysteries beyond our world. With vivid illustrations and superb photography, this beautiful book puts the wonders of space into every child's hands. This engaging, provocative reference work includes: the new solar system including dwarf planets Pluto, Ceres, and Eris;the latest developments in space exploration, science, and research—how a star is born and dies, "weird worlds," the "galactic zoo," and more;fun facts about space and amazing new images—Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, and Hubble's deep-space view;first-hand accounts from scientists and astronauts—what it's like to study the universe and to live in space;a fascinating look into our future in space: What space travel might hold in a reader's own lifetime—moon colonies, hotels on Mars? How will the universe end questions to ponder, such as "Is there other life in the universe?"an illustrated timeline of space research and exploration, star charts, moon maps, fact boxes, and helpful scientific diagrams.

The Washington Post - Karen MacPherson

Aguilar's clear text, as well as numerous illustrations, photos and fact boxes, make outer space fun for young readers.

Foreword   Dennis A. Tito     6
Introduction   David A. Aguilar     8
What We Know     10
The Universe Began With a Big Bang     12
Accidents Happen     14
"Seeing" into Space     16
There Are Other Solar Systems     18
Tour of the Solar System     20
Our New Solar System     22
The Grand Tour     24
Venus     26
Mercury     30
The Sun     32
Mars     38
Ceres & the Asteroid Belt     42
Jupiter     44
Saturn     2
Uranus     58
Neptune     60
Kuiper Belt     62
Pluto     64
Eris     68
Oort Cloud     70
Comets     72
Earth     74
To the Stars & Beyond     86
The Milky Way Seen From Earth     88
Constellations-Sky Dreams     90
Everything We See Is History     92
What Is the Milky Way?     94
A Changing Universe     96
Life Cycle of a Star     98
Nebulas-Star Nurseries     100
Star Sizes, Types of Stars     102
Death of Stars Like the Sun     104
Death of Giant Stars     106
Supernova Remnants     108
Neutron Stars & Pulsars     110
Gamma Ray Bursts     112
Black Holes     114
Failed Stars-Brown Dwarfs     116
How Planets Form     118
Other Worlds     120
Globular Clusters     124
The Galactic Zoo     128
Our Next-door Neighbors     130
Colliding Galaxies     132
Clouds of Magellan     134
Clusters and Walls     136
Hubble Ultra Deep Field     138
Dark Matter     140
Accelerating Universe     142
How the Universe Will End     144
Other Universes     146
Are We Alone?     148
A Perfect World     150
What Is Life?     152
Other Life in the Solar System     154
Are There Other Intelligent Beings?     156
Alien Life-Not What We're Used To     158
What About UFOs?     160
Dreams of Tomorrow     162
Space Engineering      164
Space Hotel     166
Turning Mars Green     168
Solar Sailing     170
Exploring the Universe     172
Time Line of the Solar System     174
Time Line of Humam on Earth     176
Time Line of Astronomy to 1961     178
Time Line of Astronomy 1963 to the Present     180
Glossary     182
Index     184
Credits     190
Additional Reading and Web Sites     191