Humans have probably always strived to understand the world around them. And the heavens have drawn rapt attention -- perhaps because they seem so close but aren't. Understanding of the physical and chemical properties, origin, and evolution of the celestial bodies has been propelled forward by the startling advances in space science, computers and miniaturisation. Astrophysics can claim to be one of the most exciting fields in science in terms of leaps forward. This book gathers leading-edge research from a number of countries and research centres to help understand some of these leaps forward in our grasp of the universe.