This is a comprehensive reference to every aspect of the Solar System, the Sun, the stars and the Universe, it contains photographs from ground-based telescope and the Hubble Space Telescope, along with the best images from nearly four decades of robotic space exploration. Also featured is a history of astronomy and space exploration and a glossary of technical terms. The atlas also provides detailed maps of the stars and planets, including an atlas of the constellations with accompanying technical data. These maps, combined with advice on practical observing make this a useful guide for those who wish to discover astronomy for themselves.