Twinkling in the night sky, stars have inspired wonder and amazement in us since ancient times. They have guided our journeys and inspired our poetry and art, but until recently we have known very little about them. Now, through new instruments and technology, we are learning more about stars every day—from their dusty beginnings in nebulas to their spectacular ends as supernovas. Award-winning science writer Seymour Simon gives you a closer look at the stars.