This collection of fifty-one fascinating and engaging activities opens up the gateway to outer space for stargazers young and old. Emphasizing group and family interaction, authors Philip Harrington and Edward Pascuzzi provide innovative activities that will help children identify, understand, and appreciate the objects in the Milky Way and galaxies beyond. With this book, you will become familiar with the constellations, planets, and phases of the moon. You will learn how sundials and telescopes work and even how to build your own. You'll also discover what causes shooting starts, auroras, nebulae, and other galactic phenomena. Charts of lunar-eclipse and meteor-shower dates will help you plan your viewing schedules. Clear, helpful diagrams, star charts, and photographs will guide you through the world of astronomy and make this book a delight to use. (8 1/2 x 11, 224 pages, b&w photos, illustrations, diagrams, charts)