Discovering the Universe

Discovering the Universe, 11th Edition, is an introductory college-level astronomy textbook by Neil F. Comins and William J. Kaufmann, published by W.H. Freeman & Company. The text presents foundational principles of space science through a student-centered approach designed to foster curiosity.

The volume covers observations of the night sky, planetary systems, stellar evolution, and cosmic structure. Discussions address gravitation, telescopes, the formation of planetary bodies, galaxies, cosmology, and astrobiology.

To encourage critical inquiry, the text incorporates "What If?" questions that explore hypothetical solar systems and universes alongside practical examples from modern astronomical science.