Looks at the history of astronomy, identifies important astronomers, and summarizes what is known about the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars.

At head of title on title page: Eyewitness. Includes index. Accompanying CD-ROM contains clip-art.

The study of the heavens -- Ancient astronomy -- Ordering the universe -- The celestial sphere -- The uses of astronomy -- Astrology -- The Copernican revolution --Intellectual giants -- Optical principles -- The optical telescope -- Observatories -- Astronomers -- Spectroscopy -- The radio telescope -- Venturing into space -- The solar system -- The sun -- The moon -- Earth -- Mercury -- Venus -- Mars -- Jupiter -- Saturn -- Uranus -- Neptune and beyond -- Travelers in space -- The birth and death of stars -- Our galaxy and beyond -- Did you know? -- Cutting-edge astronomy.