Description
Book SynopsisAstronomers and students interested in studying the Sun require a thorough understanding of the proper techniques and equipment. Safety precautions are paramount, as the intensity of the heat and light can instantly blind the untrained observer. In this book, Kitchin provides all the information needed for safe observation as well as novel techniques that will make solar observation a rewarding experience.
Trade ReviewFrom the reviews:
"This book is part of a series aimed at the newcomer to astronomy. In many respects the author fulfills this aim very well … . The book is well illustrated with drawings and photographs – over 30 of which are in colour. … If … you are keen on becoming a solar observer, make a space on your bookshelf for this book. Or if, like me, you are established in solar observing, keep it as a reference for when you take up CCD imaging … ." (Brian Halls, Astronomy Now, April, 2002)
"This book forms part of Patrick Moore’s Practical Astronomy Series … . it discusses the safety precautions that need to be taken in such a way as to be informative and not to scare someone from making solar observations. … The book also gives sufficient information for someone, for example, to attempt taking photographs or CCD images of the Sun. … I think this book will encourage amateur astronomers to take up solar observing … ." (Peter Meadows, The Astronomer, Vol. 38 (450), 2001)
"This book deserves to be in every observational astronomer’s possession. In just over 200 pages, excellent and clear descriptions, advice on solar observing methods – most of them within the reach of amateur astronomers – are given. … The many illustrations and diagrams are all relevant and well chosen, as are the (not too many!) equations. … This book is wonderful value and should encourage all amateur astronomers to observe our nearest star. A nice, warm welcome to this book." (Richard Bailey, Popular Astronomy, October, 2001)
Table of Contents1 The Sun — What to See and Why.- Beginnings.- Sunspots.- Sunspot Cycle.- Limb Darkening, Granulation and Faculae.- Limb Darkening.- Granulation.- Faculae.- Narrow Band Observations.- Chromospheric Network.- Prominences and Filaments.- Flares.- Eclipses.- 2 General Telescopic Observing Techniques.- Full Aperture Filters.- Filter Basics.- Telescope Basics.- Full Aperture Solar Filters.- Projection.- Telescopes.- Binoculars.- Other Approaches.- Reflection.- Solar Diagonals.- Sextants.- Optimising Your Telescope.- Diffraction.- Aberration.- Optics.- Seeing.- Stray Light.- 3 White Light Observing.- Sunspots.- Limb Darkening.- Granulation.- Faculae.- 4 Recording Your Observations.- Drawing.- Photography.- Projected Images.- Full Aperture Filters.- Magnified Imaging.- Conventional Cameras.- CCD Cameras.- Image Processing.- Data Reduction.- Image Enhancement.- Video Cameras.- 5 Observing Programmes.- The Sunspot Cycle.- Active Regions.- Solar Rotation.- 6 Unaided Observations.- Projected Images.- Filters.- Full Aperture Filters.- Welder’s Goggles.- 7 Eclipses.- Eclipses.- Eclipse Expeditions.- Naked Eye Observing.- Binoculars and Telescopes.- Visual Observations.- Imaging.- Photographic and Digital Cameras.- Astronomical CCD Cameras.- Video Cameras.- Shadow Band Imaging.- Observing Programme.- Specialist Instrumentation.- Radial Density Filters.- Slitless Spectroscopes.- Transits.- 8 Specialist Instruments.- Narrow Band Filters.- H? Filters.- Lyot Monochromators.- Spectroscopy.- A Spectroscope.- Prominence Spectroscope.- Spectrohelioscope.- Coronagraph.- Solar Telescopes.- 9 Radio Telescopes.- 10 The Limits of Solar Observation.- Magnetic Fields.- Spacecraft.- Solar Oscillations.- Solar Image Gallery.- Appendix 1 Bibliography.- Appendix 2 Equipment Suppliers.- Appendix 3 Web Sites Relating to the Sun.
