KINGFISHER KNOWLEDGE takes readers into the heart of a subject.Stunning photographs and thought-provoking digital artwork capture the essence of each topic, while compelling text guides the reader through a wealth of information. Each chapter encourages the reader to discover more through links to websites, books and places to visit, and also suggests possible career opportunities.

 KFK Stars & Planets is an intergalactic adventure.From neighbouring planets in the Solar System to the mysteries of deep space, explore the starry material of our galaxy and beyond.Learn how our fascination with astronomy has developed over the millennia into today's space innovations, such as the Hubble and Spitzer telescopes.Gaze deep into the Universe to see distant planets, exploding stars, and galaxies as they looked over 11 billion years ago. Fast forward to the universal discoveries and amazing advances of the future - manned missions to Mars; space robots;new stars. Take your imagination to the edge of the Universe!

FOREWORD

CHAPTER

A UNIVERSE OF STARS

Vast Universe

Bang!

Changing Universe

Home galaxy

Star material

A star is born

The story of a star

Black holes & neutron stars

The closest star

Summary

CHAPTER 2

THE SUN & ITS FAMILY

Solar System

Home planet

The rock planets

Spacerocks

Planetary giants

Moon families

Dirty snowballs

Summary

CHAPTER 3

EXPLORING

THE UNIVERSE

Space detective

Collecting information

Space robots

Landers & rovers

Life search

Journey of a lifetime

The future

Summary

Glossary

Index

Acknowledgements