
ASTRONOMY FOR AMATEURS
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER I - THE CONTEMPLATION OF THE HEAVENS
CHAPTER II - THE CONSTELLATIONS
CHAPTER III - THE STARS, SUNS OF THE INFINITE
CHAPTER IV - OUR STAR THE SUN
CHAPTER V - THE PLANETS
CHAPTER VI - THE PLANETS
CHAPTER VII - THE COMETS
Step into the night sky with a guide that treats the heavens as an open book for anyone curious enough to look up. Written in clear, welcoming language, it translates the vastness of astronomy into bite‑size explanations that feel both personal and inspiring. The richly detailed illustrations accompany each chapter, turning complex ideas into vivid, easy‑to‑follow visuals.
Readers are led through the familiar constellations—Great Bear, Orion, the Zodiac signs—and taught simple techniques for finding the Pole Star, spotting planets, and recognizing fleeting phenomena like comets and meteors. Practical sections cover measuring the Moon’s phases, understanding eclipses, and even estimating distances between Earth, the Sun, and distant worlds, all without requiring advanced equipment.
Beyond facts, the work conveys a sense of wonder that has drawn stargazers for centuries. Its timeless enthusiasm makes it a perfect companion for modern listeners eager to connect with the night sky from their own backyards.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (377K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Jason Isbell, Greg Bergquist and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2008-04-30
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1842–1925
A bestselling French astronomer who made the night sky feel vivid and approachable, he wrote popular science, imagined life on other worlds, and helped turn astronomy into a subject for everyday readers. His work blended careful observation with wonder, reaching far beyond academic circles.
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