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.
