From the publisher:
A delightful introduction to the science of astronomy, starting with what can be viewed directly from our location on Earth. In due course, the reader becomes familiar with the moon, the sun, and the planets in our solar system, the meteors and comets that visit us from outer space, as well as the stars and nebulae that reside in outer space. As much as possible, the author puts the reader in the role of discoverer: what can be observed and what can be deduced from the observation. She regularly relates stories of the scientists that made the first discoveries and developed theories to explain their observations.
The author is a master of crafting explanations that engage her audience, sometimes using both illustrations and text to drive home a point. Poetry selections from modern poets and those of bygone eras are included throughout. "It is always interesting to note," says the author, "the manner in which great scientific truths are received by widely differing minds, gifted with poetic insight." A wondrous universe indeed!
