What are stars? Why does the moon change shape? How close is the nearest planet? Budding astronomers will find answers to all their questions about the night sky--and far more--in these 50 eye-opening activities. Three-hundred color photos and illustrations, some from NASA's magnificent collection, help kids soar out into the solar system, get their bearings among the stars, and see the size of Earth as compared to the neighboring planets. Youngsters will learn how to use binoculars and a telescope. To remember what they see up above, children can create a stargazing notebook to chart viewing highlights or take pictures of star trails. A photographic trip to the Moon will inspire kids to map its many phases, calculate their lunar weight, or find out what happens during an eclipse. Voyaging farther out also reveals why the other planets wouldn't make a good home for humans, and will help children understand why Earth is so very special, too.