A short primer on eclipses, both solar and lunar.A note from Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye (the Science Guy) opens this book. Betts goes on to explain that eclipses-when either "the Moon enters Earth's shadow" (lunar) or "Earth enters the Moon's shadow" (solar)-are one of the times the wonders of space can be experienced here on Earth. The first chapter uses diagrams to show how shadows are cast by the moon and Earth and how their orbits affect the shadows. Betts also states that syzygy "refers to three bodies in space that are in a straight line" (Earth, the moon, and the sun). After covering the general concept, the next chapters go into more detail on lunar and then solar eclipses, with beautiful full-color photos of both kinds of eclipses and racially diverse groups of people watching them. The solar chapter is especially strong, with safety warnings, instructions on using a piece of cardboard to watch the eclipse, and information on how the Mars rovers have photographed eclipses. The text blocks are kept small and straightforward so that the information doesn't overwhelm readers. The result is impressively clear and efficient-the level of detail will satisfy advanced readers, while the digestible format will be welcoming to reluctant or hard-to-please readers. The author's enthusiasm shines through clearly and is contagious.Sure to excite a new generation of stargazers and scientists. (glossary, further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 6-10)