This fully revised & updated text is a comprehensive introduction to astronomical objects & phenomena. By applying some basic physical principles to a variety of situations, students will learn how to relate everyday physics to the astronomical world. Starting with the simplest objects, the text contains explanations of how & why astronomical phenomena occur, & how astronomers collect & interpret information about stars, galaxies & the solar system. The text looks at the properties of stars, star formation & evolution; neutron stars & black holes; the nature of galaxies; & the structure of the universe. It examines the past, present & future states of the universe; & final chapters use the concepts that have been developed to study the solar system, its formation; the possibility of finding other planetary systems; & the search for extraterrestrial life. This comprehensive text contains useful equations, chapter summaries, worked examples & end-of-chapter problem sets.