This volume presents the findings of several satellites from across the globe sent to observe the sun. Beautifully illustrated, the book combines newly acquired scientific understanding with detailed descriptions of features visible on the Sun's surface and in its atmosphere.

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.

Helps readers interpret and understand solar images taken by space probes, and to compare them with their own observations Focuses on the most recent discoveries about the Sun including its effect on the Earth Includes an important aspect of how amateurs can observe the Sun safely using the latest solar telescopes All technical terms are explained in a glossary at the end of the book Presents some of the fascinating solar phenomena in their full splendor to readers through a variety of illustrations, colour photographs and easy to understand text Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Autorentext

John Wilkinson is a science educator with over 30 years experience in teaching science, physics and chemistry in secondary colleges and universities in Australia. He is author of over 100 science textbooks. He completed his Masters degree and PhD in science education at La Trobe University, Australia. Throughout his life he has been a keen amateur astronomer and operates his own observatory from his backyard. His main astronomical interests include the Moon, Sun and Solar System objects.

John is also author of Probing the new solar system and The Moon in close-up. His web site is http://astroscimac.com.

Inhalt
1 Warming to the Sun.- 2 Probing the Sun.- 3 Activity in the photosphere.- 4 Activity in the chromosphere and corona.- 5 Eclipses and Transits.- 6 Observing the Sun.- 7 Satellite images of the Sun.- 8 Space weather.- 9 The Sun and Earth's climate.- 10. The Sun and stars.- About the author.- Glossary.- Index.