Presents a range of topics that illustrate the state of modern astronomy, and includes practical advice ranging from how to use binoculars to advanced imaging techniques.

Compiled by leading space experts, The Firefly Space Encyclopedia is the most accessible and up-to-date illustrated reference work on the cosmos currently available. It is fully illustrated with stunning photographs of outer space as well as all of the important spacecraft - from early rockets to spy satellites and the latest spaceplanes. Large-scale, cut-away artworks reveal space hardware, such as international space stations, in amazing detail while maps, charts and diagrams present factual information clearly and concisely. For the budding astronomer, there is a special section on how to get started in stargazing including instructions for making a simple telescope, plus star and moon maps. Full Space Data reports records, landmarks and facts and figures about the planets. Plus: - The Professionals: how astronomers study the universe - Spaceship Earth: our platform in space - Lift Off: breaking free of Earth's gravity - Using Space: how would we live today without satellites? - Space Pioneers: exploring the nearer reaches of space - Rubble of the Solar System: comets, asteroids, meteors and meteorites - The Depths of the Universe: exploring the far-flung cosmos - The Universe in Your Backyard: what you need to start stargazing - Timeline: four millennia of astronomical discovery From starbirth, stardeath and gamma ray astronomy, from "cosmic storms" to Spaceport Earth to Space Wars, The Firefly Space Encyclopedia is the ultimate visual guide to the known universe.

Reference guide to the major terms and theories used in astronomy, with over 1000 up-to-date entries, extensively cross-referenced, plus concise coverage of new developments in space exploration.

Divided into dedicated categories about the subjects most meaningful to librarians, this valuable resource reviews 500 texts across all major fields. Drawing on their collective experience in reference services and sifting through nearly 30,000 reviews in ARBAonline, editors Steven Sowards, associate director for collection at Michigan State University Libraries, and Juneal Chenoweth, editor of American Reference Books Annual, curated this collection of titles, most of which have been published since 2000, to serve collections and reference librarians in academic and public libraries. From the Encyclopedia of Philosophy and the Social Sciences and Encyclopedia of the Civil War to the Encyclopedia of Physics, Encyclopedia of Insects, and Taylor's Encyclopedia of Garden Plants to the formidable Oxford English Dictionary, The Reference Librarian's Bible encompasses every subject imaginable and will be your first stop for choosing and evaluating your library's collections as well as for answering patrons' questions.

Presents a comprehensive reference to astronomy and space exploration, with articles on space technology, astronauts, stars, planets, key theories and laws and more.

300 Astronomical Objects is a handy and comprehensive reference to the most interesting celestial objects. It takes readers on a photographic tour through the galaxy, from its solar core to its outer limits, stopping to view all the highlights and give the very latest data about the universe. Convenient sidebars with each entry provide up-to-date facts and figures on every object, including mass, magnitude, density, radius, rotation period, and surface and core temperatures. An annotated cross-section of the object enhances this information, and a full-colour photograph brings the object to life. Additional spreads bring together and explain related objects and phenomena. For example, the corresponding pages for the sun include solar power, sunspots and solar flares. Others examples include: * Mercury and its surface * The asteroid belt and 433 Eros * Jupiter and its moons, including Io, Europa and Callista * Uranus and its rings and moons, including Ariel and Titania * Outer belts and comets, such as Halley's comet, and the Deep Impact mission * Space telescopes, including the International Space Station. * 300 Astronomical Objects is a beautiful and handy reference for the amateur astronomer. AUTHOR: Jamie Wilkins has a degree in astrophysics from Cambridge University. Robert Dunn has a degree in natural sciences, specializing in physics, from Cambridge University, where he is a researcher at the Institute of Astronomy. REVIEWS: Praise for the hardcover edition: Best Books 2007, Junior High and Young Adults, Astronomy "Simply put, this book is a real gem." -- Science Books and Films "A glorious vision of the universe." -- American Reference Books Annual ILLUSTRATIONS 300 + colour illustrations, photos, sidebars and resources *

The new edition of a critically acclaimed bestseller. "A beautiful, up-to-date oversized volume that is the equivalent of a small astronomy library...a superb visual reference." - Terence Dickinson, SkyNews "Highly recommended." - Booklist (of the 2nd Edition) Firefly Atlas of the Universe is the ultimate reference to the stars, planets and celestial objects using the most comprehensive information currently available. The book features the latest images from the Hubble Space Telescope, the Very Large Telescope, Mars Express, the Cassini spacecraft and 2004 Huygens probe of Saturn and Titan. The stunning images are explained with clear and detailed text. The full color book illustrates and explains: Exploring the Universe: the history and current state of astronomy and space exploration The Solar System: Earth and other planets, mapped and imaged with data from the most recent mission probes The Sun: astrophysical phenomena from sunspots to eclipses The Stars: movements and life cycles, novae and supernovae, black holes, and more The Universe: the origin and nature of the universe, our galaxy, local and remote galaxies, quasars, and the question of alien life Star Maps: whole sky maps with 22 alphabetized chapter listings of stars and constellations, and seasonal charts for both northern and southern hemispheres. Firefly Atlas of the Universe is a fascinating and encyclopedic reference illustrated with spectacular color photographs and illustrations.