Based on Discovering the Universe, this text is a shorter, less expensive option with a streamlined presentation of topics. While maintaining the themes and approach to astronomy found in the longer text, Discovering the Essential Universe presents only the essential information for students' reference, enrichment, and review with minimal pedagogy. With the same great graphics program and features, the new edition keeps students as up to date as possible by covering the new discoveries that scientists are making about the universe almost every day.