Brief Contents

1 Predicting the Motions of the Stars, Sun, and Moon 1

2 Decoding the Hidden Messages in Starlight 33

3 Analyzing Scales and Motions of the Universe 63

4 Exploring Our Evolving Solar System 87

5 Uncovering Earth’s Systems 115

6 Exploring Terrestrial Surface Processes and Atmospheres 141

7 Observing the Dynamic Giant Planets 167

8 Looking for Life Beyond Earth 189

9 Probing the Dynamic Sun 205

10 Observing Properties of Distant Stars 227

11 Inferring Patterns in Star Life Cycles 251

12 Predicting the Violent End of the Largest Stars 279

13 Exploring Our Galaxy 301

14 Investigating Other Galaxies 327

15 Observing the Evolution of the Universe 359

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