There is always something new in astronomy. Exciting discoveries follow one after another at a dizzying pace, thanks to the batteries of giant telescopes perched on mountain tops and equipped with the latest technological innovations, observatories orbiting high above the troublesome atmosphere, and spacecraft exploring the worlds of the solar system from close quarters. Keeping abreast of it all can be a challenge!

For this illustrated A-to-Z, I have made an up-to-date selection of 1300 entries covering hundreds of named astronomical objects as well as the terms and abbreviations most commonly encountered in astronomy. I have also included biographical entries on 70 people who have made significant contributions to the development of astronomy. Three hundred entries are illustrated, nearly all in color.

The idea for an illustrated dictionary grew from the dictionary I originally compiled in 1988–90, the most recent edition of which was published by Cambridge University Press in 2001. But this is a new book with a fresh style, which I hope will appeal to a wide range of readers young and old – not just as a reference source in which to look things up, but also as a book full of fascinating facts and beautiful pictures to dip into anytime.

Using the book

The alphabetical order takes no account of word breaks or hyphens. Entries beginning with a Greek letter are treated as if the letter were spelled out.