How the World Works: Astronomy - From plotting the stars to pulsars and black holes

Astronomy, as nothing else can do, teaches men humility. Arthur C. Clarke, The Challenge of the Spaceship Astronomy traces one of humanity's oldest obsessions. This accessible, fascinating account of discoveries from the times of Palaeolithic star-gazers to current space missions shows how we have come to know so much about the universe. At the same time, unfolding knowledge has opened new horizons to explore. Our understanding of the boundless cosmos has only just begun. Topics include: Cosmology, from ancient times to the Big Bang Our place in the solar system Astrolabes, telescopes, and radio astronomy Mapping the stars Space missions and probes Comets, asteroids, supernovae, and black holes The unknown, from empty space to dark energy Beautifully illustrated throughout