1 . The Four Best Astronomy Books

This list has been updated 24 times since it was first published in 2015. Our selection includes editions specifically written to attract youngsters, some of which are for more advanced students. Each of them contains breathtaking, full-color images.

●The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide

The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide (about $30) is a great resource suitable for beginners and experts. It offers in-depth guidance on everything from picking the perfect telescope to avoiding light pollution, with tips on how best to explore the deep sky.

Features:

Over 500 bright photographs

Detailed maps of the Milky Way

●Far out: A Space-Time Chronicle

Far out: A Space-Time Chronicle (about $25) takes you on a journey through time using the concept of light speed to introduce the vastness of the universe. It’s a real page-turner, with one impressive photo after another, and will let your imagination run wild.

Features:

Making connections to human history

Written in a poetic style

Informative and thoughtful

●NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe

This book (about $18) has sold upwards of 600,000 copies of its three previous editions. It comes with a variety of charts showing various events, such as when to expect a solar and lunar eclipse (日蚀和月蚀).

Features:

Great for those using telescopes

Helpful telescope shopping tips

●Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide

Perfect for ordinary people or those wanting to get a taste of the subject before devoting themselves to a formal class, this book (about $11) makes it easy for them to learn the main topics and basic rules of a college-level course on their own.

Features:

No math required

Self-tests to check progress

Explaining professional terms

1. What can we say about the book Far Out: A Space-Time Chronicle?

A．It is funny and strange.	B．It is exciting and imaginative.
C．It is breathtaking and popular.	D．It is instructive and challenging.

2. Which book is suitable for college astronomy beginners?

A．Far Out: A Space-Time Chronicle	B．The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide
C．Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide	D．NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe

3. What do the four books have in common?

A．They all have colorful pictures.	B．They are all updated regularly.
C．They are all aimed at young kids.	D．They all focus on the solar system.