Total Solar Eclipses and How to Observe Them

There are some important eclipses coming up in the years ahead and the technology available to amateur astronomers is improving fast. Here is the ultimate, easy-to-read guide for eclipse-chasers. It includes everything an eclipse chaser needs to ensure that they have with them all the right equipment to observe or image a total solar eclipse. Coverage provides a checklist of where to go to see total solar eclipses for next 15 years. It provides a good feeling for what a trip abroad to an eclipse is like, including a humorous look at all that can and has gone wrong. Travel details are also included, essential in these days of high-security. The book also details a wealth of information about solar eclipses: how and why they happen, the physics of the Sun and solar system, and what can be observed only during a total eclipse.

Describes the astronomy, science and physics of total solar eclipses, and the phenomena that can be observed only during a total eclipse Enables members of the growing community of "eclipse chasers" to ensure that they have with them all the right equipment to observe or image a total solar eclipse Describes what to expect during a total solar eclipse, in different conditions and in different locations Describes the previous eclipse expeditions including a look at the less serious side: eclipse expedition disasters Provides a checklist of where to go to see total solar eclipses, for next 15 years Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Auteur

Martin Mobberley has a BSc Honours degree in Electronic Engineering from Brunel University, and is a former British Astronomical Association President and Goodacre Medallist.

He is also the author of Astronomical Equipment for Amateurs (1998) and The New Amateur Astronomer (2004); Lunar & Planetary Webcam User's Guide (NYP); Supernovae and How to Observe them (NYP),. He has contributed chapters to three other Springer Practical Astronomy Series Books. He wrote the children's book Space Navigator, and has published many papers in Astronomy Now, The Journal of the British Astronomical Association, The Astronomer, and Sky & Telescope.

Texte du rabat

Every total solar eclipse sees cruise ships or coach convoys, and frequently both, conveying to thousands of observers the narrow umbral track, where they can witness this rare and beautiful astronomical event, weather permitting.

But for each total solar eclipse you get just a few minutes (or seconds) to make the most of the spectacle, savor it visually, and record the event.

You have to get it right first time, which is where Total Solar Eclipses and How to Observe Them comes in. Here is all the information an eclipse chaser needs to ensure a trouble-free expedition. Martin Mobberley explains how to avoid equipment and set-up errors thousands of miles from home, advises on the right equipment to buy for observing and digital SLR imaging, and explains the crucial points to address when traveling abroad with astronomical equipment.

The first part of the book contains a wealth of information about total solar eclipses themselves: how and why they happen, related physics of the Sun, the alignment geometries, and, of course, the astronomical features that can only be witnessed when our Moon precisely covers the solar disk.

Contenu
Eclipse Mechanisms, Statistics and Tracks.- Why Do Eclipses Occur?.- The Solar Atmosphere.- The Shadow of the Moon.- The Rugged Lunar Limb.- Shadow Bands and Other Phenomena.- Eclipses and Tracks 20082028.- Observing and Travelling to Total Solar Eclipses.- Safety First.- Eclipse Trips The Real Experience.- Checklists and Travel Plans.- Video, Sketch and Savour the View!.- DSLRs and Digital Eclipse Photography.- Some Very Keen Eclipse Chasers.- The H-Alpha Revolution.