A twenty-first century look at our Sun, its planets, and their moons, including the latest research on the mysteries of space. Over the last few decades our knowledge of the universe and what resides within it has expanded enormously. This book adds a modern sense of perspective to the stars above by comparing the latest research and the most up-to-date technology with traditional beliefs--how ancient astronomers made sense of the heavens. In these pages you'll find the evolving understanding of the solar system. A detailed overview examines how we read the night sky; constellations and the Zodiac; motion of the planets; comparative sizes and locations; where the asteroid belt is; comets; satellites; theories of planet formation; and more. The included planisphere wheel shows the positions of the stars at any time, on any day, and any latitude--complete with a description and examples on how to use it.--From publisher description.

Meet the neighbors -- The sun -- Earth -- The moon -- Mercury -- Venus -- Mars -- Jupiter -- Saturn -- Uranus and Neptune -- Pluto and beyond -- Asteroids and meteorites -- Comets and meteors -- Extrasolar planets -- Observing the planets -- Glossary -- Resources -- Index.