THE DATA BOOK OF ASTRONOMY is a one-stopreference for astronomers at all levels ofexperience from beginners to experiencedobservers. Filled with data about the Earth, Moon,the planets, the stars, our Galaxy, and the myriadgalaxies in deep space, it also revelas the latestscientific discoveries about black holes, quasarsand the origins of the Universe.There are over 100 tables on features of theMoon, and the names, positions, sizes andotherkey descriptors of all the planets and theirsatellites. The Sun is discussed in depth, fromsunspots to solar eclipses. Solar and lunar eclipsedates are tabulated, as are the dates for comets,close-approach asteroids, and significant meteorshowers. 24 maps show the surface features ofthe planets and their moons. Patrick Moore thanlooks to the stars, their distances and movements,and their detailed classification and evolution. 48star charts, covering both northern and southernhemispheres, enable the reader to track downand name the main stars in all the constellations.The maps are supported by detailed tables of thenames, positions, magnitudes and spectra of themain stars in each constellation, along with keydata on galaxies, nebulae and clusters. There is auseful catalogue of the world's great telescopesand observatories, a history of astronomy and ofspace research, and biographies of 250astronomers who have been most influential indeveloping our current understanding of thesubject.