Hundreds of maps, diagrams, illustrations, and color photographs document our universe.

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.

This Concise Encyclopedia draws its material from the award-winning Encyclopedia of Materials: Science and Technology, and includes updates and revisions not available in the original set. This customized collection of articles provides a handy reference for materials scientists and engineers with an interest in the structure of metals, polymers, ceramics and glasses, biomaterials, wood, paper, and liquid crystals.Materials science and engineering is concerned with the relationship between the properties and structure of materials. In this context "structure" may be defined on the atomic scale in the case of crystalline materials, on the molecular scale (in the case of polymers, for example), or on the microscopic scale. Each of these definitions has been applied in making the present selection of articles.* Brings together articles from the Encyclopedia of Materials: Science & Technology that focus on the structure of materials at the atomic, molecular and microscopic levels, plus recent updates* Every article has been commissioned and written by an internationally recognized expert and provides a concise overview of a particular aspect of the field * Extensive bibliographies, cross-referencing and indexes guide the user to the most relevant reading in the primary literature

Blast off into space to discover the galaxies and beyond with the new edition of this out-of-this-world reference Send your child on an amazing journey into space. They�ll see the Hubble telescope orbiting the Earth, discover the birth of our solar system and follow the search for life on Mars. Packed with practical tips for the amateur astronomer, spectacular images from space, detailed charts and fantastic facts. Perfect for home or school, there are even instructions on building a simple telescope.

A tour of outer space explores the solar system as well as stars, galaxies, and the birth of planets, and speculates on whether other intelligent beings exist in the universe.