Kids will learn all about the night sky, from the moon to constellations to planets, in this new National Geographic Reader. The level 2 text provides accessible, yet wide-ranging information for beginning readers.

As NightWatch, Terence Dickinson's classic stargazing guide, neared its 40th anniversary, Dickinson worked with a small group of trusted colleagues to give this groundbreaking reference an overhaul that will take it deep into the 21st century. Longtime astronomy writer and sky observer Ken Hewitt-White led the editorial team. A central aspect to this new edition is the subtle improvements to the unique seasonal star charts that present a 360-degree simulation of the night sky on one page and identify the stars and constellations on the facing page. Yet it is Dickinson's clear, jargon-free language that will continue to inspire hundreds of thousands of people around the world to take up recreational astronomy. Much has happened in this popular hobby since the revised Fourth Edition of NightWatch was published in 2006. In response, the text has been substantially revised and updated throughout all 13 chapters. Moreover, the book has been completely redesigned and most of its many photographs have been replaced. A noted feature is the variety of superb astrophotos of star clusters, nebulas, galaxies and other celestial phenomena taken by accomplished amateur astronomers. Lavishly illustrated sections on the Moon and planets will inspire novice observers of the solar system. To accommodate the extensive revisions, NightWatch has grown from 192 pages to 208 pages. With the release of the Fifth Edition, we are also launching a new website, NightWatchBook.com, that will offer links to additional resources and will be regularly updated with information on new celestial events and equipment. Since the First Edition of NightWatch was released in 1983, the most significant transformations in amateur astronomy have been in optics and technology. For all the latest on gadgets and gear, renowned astrophotographer Alan Dyer, Dickinson's coauthor of The Backyard Astronomer's Guide, has contributed an entirely new chapter on basic digital astrophotography. Dyer has also modernized a key portion of an enlarged chapter on stargazing equipment, creating a welcoming place in NightWatch for today's computerized telescopes. Stargazing enthusiasts of all levels of experience will discover much of value in an enduring reference conceived by one of the most respected names in amateur astronomy. This must-have Fifth Edition includes: a comprehensive, all-season guide to the night sky constellation charts covering both northern- and southern-hemisphere skies, making NightWatch a truly global resource tips on choosing binoculars and telescopes and taking astrophotos highlights of major features on the Moon to guide the budding lunar explorer lists of solar and lunar eclipses, planet locations and the best lunar and planetary conjunctions to 2035 a range of resources for further study.

"3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . blast off! Visit an amazing spinning space hotel. Drive a rover around on a Moon base. Soar over Earth as a space tourist. These activities aren't just the stuff of science fiction. They're actually being planned! Get an inspiring look at how scientists have learned from past achievements to plan for the future of space travel. Then find out what our future might hold, from new space robots to crewed missions to the Moon and Mars. Exciting infographics, riveting sidebars, and informative illustrations will give curious young minds a new view of the next frontier"--

For the first time in history, humans are actively searching for alien life - specifically, another Earth-like planet in the universe. As you read this, scientists are using high-tech space gear and telescopes to look and listen for an Alien Earth in deep space. Robotic spacecraft are searching for life on moons and other planets in our solar system. Out of This World gives young readers a window seat on this fascinating quest. They'll learn how extreme life forms here on earth may help us understand possible alien life, how our planetary next-door neighbors are getting investigated, about the billions of "exoplanets" that lie far outside our solar system and much more.Crammed with the latest space agency photography, artists' renderings and cosmic illustrations featuring a lovable alien named Ambrosia from the planet Xenon, this book appeals to space lovers and science keeners alike. It's also packed with activities, Astrofacts, profiles of astrobiologists, space artists and other alien hunters.

Packed with stunning photographs, this book celebrates the incredible ingenuity of spacecraft designers and the courage of intrepid astronauts. It offers a chronological sweep of the history of space travel and technology, from the ealiest rockets to the latest missions. Readers age 7 and up can discover the amazing array of technology that has enabled us to leave Earth and explore the universe. Then they can become rocket scientists themselves by following step-by-step instructions to build and launch their own rocket.

Discover the wonder and learn the truth about our rocky home.Why does life exist on Earth but nowhere else in our solar system? What causes Earth's seasons? What makes up the Earth's interior? This book answers these questions and many more about our rocky home. From Earth's place in space, to its atmosphere and time zones, everything readers need to know about planet Earth is covered!

Early Life on Earth tracks the evolution of life on Earth, from its origins up to the imminent arrival of the dinosaurs. Take a closer look at the first multi-celled forms, the Cambrian explosion, the age of fish, giant insects and amphibians and the mass extinction that paved the way for dinosaurs. Using stunning photographs and graphic 3-D images, Early Life on Earth brings core curriculum subjects to life with an engaging design. Written by bestselling author Michael Bright, his digestible approach to science makes this the perfect book for project work or interest reading.

People and Planet Earth takes readers back to our first steps as Homo sapiens, and examines how we've evolved from cavemen to the dominant species on Earth. Take a closer look at the Bronze and Iron Ages, how we went from small settlements to super cities, our impact on the Earth and the Sixth Major Mass Extinction. Using stunning photographs and graphic 3-D images, People and Planet Earth brings core curriculum subjects to life with an engaging design. Written by bestselling author Michael Bright, his digestible approach to science makes this the perfect book for project work or interest reading.

The Big Bang and Beyond takes readers back to the very beginning and the violent birth of the universe, our solar system, and planet Earth. Take a closer look at the physical evolution of our planet and discover how the continents moved, climates changed and the conditions became just right for life to evolve. Using stunning photographs and graphic 3-D images, The Big Bang and Beyond brings core curriculum subjects to life with an engaging design. Written by bestselling author Michael Bright, his digestible approach to science makes this the perfect book for project work or interest reading.

The Evolution of You and Me tracks modern humans, from their origins to leaving Africa. Take a closer look at tree shrews, the first primates, how we came to stand on two legs, early tools and cooking, and the conflict with Neanderthals. Using stunning photographs and graphic 3-D images, Evolution of You and Me brings core curriculum subjects to life with an engaging design. Written by bestselling author Michael Bright, his digestible approach to science makes this the perfect book for project work or interest reading.