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.
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