The fun and easy way to explore the night sky Do you know the difference between a red giant and a white dwarf? From asteroids to black holes, this easy-to-understand guide takes you on a grand tour of the universe. Featuring updated star maps, charts, and an insert with gorgeous full-color photographs, Astronomy For Dummies provides an easy-to-follow introduction to the night sky. See the light -- get pointers on observing sky objects with and without optics, selecting binoculars and telescopes, and positioning yourself for optimal viewing Won't you be my neighbor? -- take a tour of the collection of planets, moons, and planetary debris that orbits the Sun Meet some old sols -- find the best and brightest of the sky objects and enhance your connection to the universe by getting to know the life cycle of stars Ponder this -- explore thought-provoking concepts like the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and the nature of dark matter and antimatter Open the book and find: The difference between planets and stars Names of stars and constellations Terrific tools for observing the skies A tour of the solar system The scoop on the Big Bang theory and the evolution of the universe Full-color photos of spiral galaxies, nebulae, asteroids, and planets The 4-1-1 on black holes and quasars Astronomy clubs, websites, apps, and more Learn to: Enjoy skywatching in your backyard Identify planets and stars Explore our solar system, the Milky Way, and beyond Understand the Big Bang, quasars, antimatter, and more.