Horizons: Exploring the Universe

Horizons: Exploring the Universe, 13th Edition, is an astronomy textbook written by Michael A. Seeds and Dana Backman. Published by Cengage Learning, the volume introduces fundamental astronomical principles and explores how scientists investigate the cosmos.

The textbook utilizes a stars-first organization, demonstrating that planets in the solar system formed as natural byproducts of star birth. Instruction centers around two fundamental questions: "What are we?" and "How Do We Know?" These themes prompt students to consider their place in the universe while learning how scientific inquiry operates.

Updates prepared for the 2014 edition incorporated discoveries alongside online resources. In addition, the digital format provides built-in study tools such as highlighting and read-aloud functionality to assist student reading and practice.