In this accessible, student-friendly text, astronomy is treated as a fundamental human endeavor rather than an enterprise reserved for professionals. The authors engage students' curiosity through cutting-edge material that focuses on the themes of human achievement, physics in the universe, continuity of matter, the dynamic systems that sustain life, and astronomy and physics as foundations for our world view.

Throughout, the emphasis is on important ideas, with relevant details, techniques, and formulas presented after concepts. A Time Out to Think feature, which encourages students to check their understanding as they read, is just one of many pedagogical aids that reinforce learning. Text discussions are complemented by a distinctive art program, with figures not seen before in astronomy texts. A rich Web site includes student and instructor resources and coverage of current events.