This volume offers a compact survey of astronomical knowledge, opening with a historical sketch tracing the development of celestial science from ancient observers to modern advances. It then explains fundamental principles of spherical and gravitational astronomy and describes the instruments and observational techniques used by astronomers. A substantial section surveys the solar system, treating the sun, planets, satellites, comets, asteroids, meteors, and their observable phenomena. The final part examines the sidereal heavens, discussing stars, constellations, stellar distances and motions, nebulae, and star clusters, supplemented throughout by diagrams, photographs, and practical data.