“Astronomy, as nothing else can do, teaches men humility”. Arthur C. Clarke, The Challenge of the Spaceship  Astronomy traces one of humanity's oldest obsessions. This accessible, fascinating account of discoveries from the times of Palaeolithic star-gazers to current space missions shows how we have come to know so much about the universe. At the same time, unfolding knowledge has opened new horizons to explore. Our understanding of the boundless cosmos has only just begun. Topics include: • Cosmology, from ancient times to the Big Bang • Our place in the solar system • Astrolabes, telescopes, and radio astronomy • Mapping the stars • Space missions and probes • Comets, asteroids, supernovae, and black holes • The unknown, from empty space to dark energy  Beautifully illustrated throughout