This lavishly illustrated Smithsonian guide begins with our home galaxy, the Milky Way, and the multitude of stars that are part of this spiral galaxy. Readers can investigate Stars, the Life Cycle of Stars, Star Formation, Main-Sequence Stars, Old Stars, Stellar End Points, Multiple Stars, Variable Stars, Star Clusters, and Extra-Solar Planets.

Moving beyond the Milky Way, readers discover the different Types of Galaxies, learn about Galaxy Evolution, and explore both Active Galaxies and Galaxy Clusters. Then look to the Night Sky and delve into the story of constellations. Learn the history of Constellations and then Map the Sky while following the Guide to the Constellations.

Cosmologist/astrophysicist Martin Rees serves as the editor for this Smithsonian guide, which includes an extensive glossary. Photographs, diagrams, and charts all play a part in educating the reader on this fascinating tour through the Milky Way where readers will find stars being born and dying stars collapsing. Then readers will explore the past as they travel trillions of miles to the very edge of the universe.

Highly recommended. ( )