Observing the Sun

Author: Jamey L. Jenkins
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461480159
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 255

Book Description
“Observing the Sun” is for amateur astronomers at all three levels: beginning, intermediate, and advanced. The beginning observer is often trying to find a niche or define a specific interest in his hobby, and the content of this book will spark that interest in solar observing because of the focus on the dynamics of the Sun. Intermediate and advanced observers will find the book invaluable in identifying features (through photos, charts, diagrams) in a logical, orderly fashion and then guiding the observer to interpret the observations. Because the Sun is a dynamic celestial body in constant flux, astronomers rarely know for certain what awaits them at the eyepiece. All features of the Sun are transient and sometimes rather fleeting. Given the number of features and the complex life cycles of some, it can be a challenging hobby. “Observing the Sun” provides essential illustrations, charts, and diagrams that depict the forms and life cycles of the numerous features visible on the Sun.

The Sun and How to Observe It

Author: Jamey L. Jenkins
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387094989
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 206

Book Description
In Part 1, the book describes the very latest thinking on solar physics in (mostly non-mathematical) detail, incorporating the latest results from research concerning the structure and behaviour of the Sun. There is particular emphasis on the surface features visible from the Earth, and how these are the result of the extraordinary processes that are taking place within the Sun. In Part 2, the book details the techniques for observing and imaging the Sun with commercially-available equipment. The many recent advances in optical equipment now allow amateur astronomers to observe phenomena that until recently could only be seen with the extremely expensive equipment available at universities and research observatories – notably H-alpha and Calcium-K telescopes. This is a completely up-to-date solar observing book, while providing the science background necessary for an understanding of the observations with the latest equipment. It also features the most complete solar observing and imaging guide available.

The Sun and How to Observe It

Author: Jamey L. Jenkins
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9780387094977
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 206

How to Observe the Sun Safely

Author: Lee Macdonald
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1447100530
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 189

Book Description
The Sun is the brightest and most accessible object in the sky, and it has much to offer the amateur astronom er with modest equipment. On most days it shows sunspots and other features that displaya wealth of fine detail and change their appearance strikingly from day to day. But observing the Sun can be dangerous. NEVER look at the Sun through a telescope or other optical aid, even for a brief instant. The Sun's intense radiation, amplified and focused by a telescope, will almost certainly cause eye injury and could weIl lead to complete blindness. Do not attempt any solar observing until you have read and understood the safety precautions and observing advice set out in Chapter 2 of this book - even if you think you have the correct equipment. Be especially wary about using filters to observe the Sun. If you have a filter that makes the Sun look dark, it is not necessarily safe, as it is largely the Sun's invisible radiation that is harmful to the eye. But provided you use the correct techniques, such as projecting the solar image onto a screen or using a specially designed, quality solar filter that fits over the telescope aperture, it is quite easy to observe the Sun safely.

Observing the Sun

Author: Peter O. Taylor
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9780521401104
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 180

Book Description
Observing the Sun is one of the most interesting and rewarding facets of astronomy to which amateurs can contribute. Few areas of science offer as many opportunities to contribute meaningful data. It is the one branch of astronomy that requires only modest equipment and can be pursued during the day. Peter Taylor is a keen and highly experienced observer of the Sun. In this book he explains in a clear and practical way everything that a telescope user needs to know in order to make solar observations. The author draws on his many years of personal experience as a contributor to the Solar Division of the American Association of Variable Star Observers and to the American Sunspot Program. The book deals with the following topics: historical background, choice of equipment for the safe conduct of solar observations, observations of sunspots, and reporting observations. New techniques, such as electronic recording and the operations of radio telescopes, are included. The level of presentation is understandable to anyone with basic astronomical knowledge and some experience in handling a small telescope.

The Sun, the Earth, and Near-earth Space

Author: John A. Eddy
Publisher: Government Printing Office
ISBN: 9780160838088
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 316

Book Description
" ... Concise explanations and descriptions - easily read and readily understood - of what we know of the chain of events and processes that connect the Sun to the Earth, with special emphasis on space weather and Sun-Climate."--Dear Reader.

New Eyes on the Sun

Author: John Wilkinson
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3642228380
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 257

Book Description
Information collected by satellites recently sent by the USA, the European Space Agency, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Russia to monitor the Sun has changed our knowledge and understanding of the Sun, particularly its effect on Earth. This book presents these findings in a way that will be welcomed by amateur astronomers, students, educators and anyone interested in the Sun. Enhanced by many colour photographs, the book combines newly acquired scientific understanding with detailed descriptions of features visible on the Sun’s surface and in its atmosphere. In the past, observing the Sun has been left to academics with specialised instruments, since solar observation has been unsafe because of the risk of eye damage. This book explains how amateur astronomers can safely observe the various solar phenomena using special hydrogen-alpha telescopes that are not too expensive. Amateurs can now make a positive contribution to science by monitoring the Sun as professionals do. Amateurs can also access the solar images taken by satellites via the internet. This book helps readers interpret and understand what these images are showing about the Sun, including the latest 3D images. Solar observers will enjoy comparing their own solar telescope observations with those produced by space probes such as SDO, SOHO, Hinode and STEREO, and further enjoy learning about transits, eclipses, and space weather and how the Sun compares to other stars in the universe. The main purpose of this book is to present some of the fascinating solar phenomena in their full splendor to readers through a variety of illustrations, photographs and easy to understand text.p/p

Our Explosive Sun

Author: Pal Brekke
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461405718
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 170

Book Description
The Sun, which is our own star at the center of the Solar System, gives rise to all life on Earth and is the driver of photosynthesis in plants and the source of all food and energy for living things. As seen with the naked eye, the Sun appears as a static and quiet yellow disk in the sky. However, it is a stormy and ever-changing star that contributes much more than light and heat. For example, it is the source of the beautiful northern lights and can affect our technology-based society in many ways. Our Explosive Sun: A Visual Feast of our Source of Light and Life is a great introduction to the Sun for general readers as well as scientists who are not solar physicists. The book presents the basic properties of the Sun, describes how it has fascinated humans throughout history, and shows how it influences our current technologies. The book includes a large number of illustrations and video materials for SpringerExtras, along with a PowerPoint presentation that provides a useful resource for teachers and lectures.

The Sun in Time

Author: Charles Philip Sonett
Publisher: University of Arizona Press
ISBN: 9780816512973
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 1040

Book Description
An interdisciplinary approach to solar physics, as eighty-nine contributors trace the evolution of the Sun and provide a review of our current understanding of both its structure and its role in the origin and evolution of the solar system.

The Sun Recorded Through History

Author: J.M. Vaquero
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387927905
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 382

Book Description
The Sun is nowadays observed using di?erent techniques that provide an almost instantaneous 3-D map of its structure. Of particular interest is the studyofthevariabilityinthesolaroutputproducedbythedissipationofm- netic energy on di?erent spatial and temporal scales – the so-called magnetic activity. The 11-year cycle is the main feature describing this phenomenon. Apart from its intrinsic scienti?c interest, this topic is worth studying because of the interaction of such processes with the terrestrial environment. A ?eet of space and ground-based observatories are currently monitoring the behaviour of our star on a daily basis. However, solar activity varies not only on this decadal time-scale, as has been attested mainly through two methods: (a) records of the number of sunspots observed on the solar surface from 1610, and (b) the records of 14 10 cosmogenic isotopes, such as Cand Be, measured in tree-rings and i- cores, respectively. The study of the long-term behaviour of solar activity may be comp- mented by the study of historical accounts describing phenomena directly or indirectly related to solar activity. Numerous scienti?c and non-scienti?c d- uments have reported these events and we can make use of them as a proxy of solar activity in past times.