Includes index.

Stars in the Firmament -- Stellar Death and Destruction -- Gregarious Galaxies -- The Expansive Universe -- Solar Systems -- The Heavenly Wanderers -- Background Briefing -- Landmarks in Astronomy.

"Dramatic images never before published in a single volume.

High above the dirty window of Earth's atmosphere, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) enjoys a clear view of the universe. Hubble uses hundreds of the latest, most spectacular images from the HST to illustrate a comprehensive astronomy reference. Stargazers will be astonished to see in color pictures what were once fuzzy photographs, dots on a star map or words in a textbook.

Hubble explains how new discoveries are revising scientific understanding of the Universe. Detailed images of the Eagle Nebula show several fingers rising above a massive gas cloud. At the end of each fingertip -- the width of our solar system -- is the birth of a star.

The book covers the observable universe in six sections: Stars in the FirmamentStellar Death and DestructionGregarious GalaxiesThe Expansive UniverseSolar SystemsThe Heavenly Wanderers

Clear and concise text explains the fascinating history of astronomy and the development of the HST. Hubble transports readers to the planets of our solar system and on to galaxies millions -- even billions -- of light years away. These dramatic, unforgettable images will bring into sharp focus how the Universe is unfolding in new and astonishing ways.