Totality : Eclipses of the Sun
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Amazon.co.uk Review
Francis Baily, spent his twenties exploring unsettled parts of North America and didn't get around to astronomy until he was 37, when he travelled to an annular eclipse of the Sun in southern Scotland. On May 15, 1836 he watched as light from the occluded sun poured through the lunar valleys and reached him broken up into "a row of lucid points, like a string of bright beads". With those words, Baily founded the industry of eclipse chasing.
The best feature of Totality is its wealth of biographical information about eclipse-chasers past and present. Throughout this century, every total eclipse over land has been attended by scientists willing to travel great distances, endure hostile climates--and risk complete failure because of clouds--for a few minutes' view of the corona. This turbulent outer part of the sun, best studied when the sun is obscured, draws observers across the globe to this day.
Totality is one of several portmanteau guides produced in time for the 1999 eclipse, and like most of them it doesn't seem to know which readers it's addressing. Near the beginning the reader is abjured not to let all the science bits "stand in the way of your enjoyment of the wild, wacky, and wonderful things people have thought and done about solar eclipses". What a naff sentiment, in such a fascinating and adult marriage of science, history, biography and sound technical advice. - -Simon Ings --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
I found the writing style of this superb book particularly to my liking and so easy on the eye that I finished it in just two sittings a very unusual occurrence for me indeed. [] There is no question about this at all; if you have even the slightest interest in our closest star then this book really should be in your collection! (Greg Parker, Astronomy Now )
...continues to prove itself to be an indispensible guide and reference book for solar eclipse observation today...Totality covers every aspect of solar eclipses and addresses a wide audience with an interest in astronomy...If you intend to witness the total solar eclipse next year in India, China and Japan, I highly recommend Totality to be included in your backpack. (Kathryn Chung Bluesci )
Although this work is academic to the extent that it could easily be used as a reference textbook, it is written so professionally that it reads more like a well-crafted novel! (Astronomy Now )
...continues to prove itself to be an indispensible guide and reference book for solar eclipse observation today...Totality covers every aspect of solar eclipses and addresses a wide audience with an interest in astronomy...If you intend to witness the total solar eclipse next year in India, China and Japan, I highly recommend Totality to be included in your backpack. (Kathryn Chung Bluesci )
Although this work is academic to the extent that it could easily be used as a reference textbook, it is written so professionally that it reads more like a well-crafted novel! (Astronomy Now )
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a very good guide to Solar Eclipses, written by authors who have a real passion for Eclipse chasing (Fred Espenak is NASA's leading Eclipse expert).
The book is detailed and informative whilst still remaining an interesting read, and good value as well.
There are other books which take a more scientific approach (such as 'Total Eclipses' by Koutchmy & Guillermier), but I think this is possibly the best single book on the subject, and defenitely the most enjoyable.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Everything you could ever wish to know about eclipses. The science behind how eclipses occur, the history of scientific discovery associated with eclipses, cultural aspects, photographic and video tips, what to look for during an eclipse, a list of future eclipses for the next 20 years. This is perhaps the most readable and complete book on eclipses by some of the world's leading authorities. It successfully combines the science, the passion, and the emotion associated with these remarkable celestial events. Don't get left in the dark !!! This excellent book prepares you for the big event.
My experience of the recent 2001 african eclipse was enhanced several fold after reading this book.
Format:Paperback
If you like to get acquainted with solar eclipses, this is the place to get started. This lovely book covers everything on solar eclipes, among topics like eclipse expeditions, scientific discoveries, photographing them and observing and most importantly, where to see them in the coning decades. Loaded with beautiful photographs and maps, this impressive work will be of great use for all eclispe enthusiasts.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Best book on subject.
This is the best book available on the subject.
It includes everything anyone must know when going to observe a total eclipse. Read more
It includes everything anyone must know when going to observe a total eclipse. Read more
Published on 1 Mar 2009 by eliasastro
Get ready for the 2009 total eclipse of the Sun!!
Wednesday 22nd July 2009 promises to deliver a spectacular total eclipse of the Sun - provided your skies are clear! Read more
Published on 2 Oct 2008 by Prof G. J. Parker
An amazingly informative and interesting book.
Having seen someone else's copy of this book and having thumbed through it, buying it was a must. Having purchased it, I am delighted with it. Read more
Published on 17 Aug 2001
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