An introduction to the Milky Way with information about its formation and characteristics. Includes diagrams, fun facts, a glossary, and stunning full-color illustrations.

What is the Milky Way? -- How did the Milky Way get its name? -- Focus on: images of the Milky Way -- How much of the Milky Way can I see without a telescope? -- Why does the Milky Way glow? -- Focus on: parts of the Milky Way -- How big is the Milky Way? -- Does the Milky Way move? -- What is at the center of the Milky Way? -- How old is the Milky Way? -- Where is Earth in the Milky Way? -- Focus on: the Milky Way's position in the universe -- Are there other planetary systems in the Milky Way? -- What is the nearest star to the solar system? -- Who discovered that the Milky Way is a galaxy? -- What holds the Milky Way together? -- Focus on: the interstellar medium -- Can telescopes see the whole Milky Way? -- Are stars dying in the Milky Way? -- What is the Local Group? -- What is a globular cluster? -- What is an open cluster? -- How did the Milky Way form? -- Is the Milky Way changing? Focus on: how the Milky Way may end.