Sun Observer's Guide
Formatted like Firefly'sMars Observer's Guideby Neil Bone (2003), this instructional explains how to safely view the sun and record what one sees, covering the necessary equipment, which can be as minimal as binoculars and cardboard. Like comet hunting, solar astronomy is that rare area of science in which an amateur's observations are useful to professionals, provided the amateur learns a system, which Spence presents, for locating phenomena such as sunspots. As an aesthetic experience, watching the sun has few rivals in the sky, for its appearance always alters and the careful observer can see changes over the course of an hour. But to do so requires properly setting up instruments, filters, or cameras and exercising the utmost precaution to avoid looking directly at the sun; both factors, the right equipment and the importance of safety, are emphasized throughout Spence's guide. Generously illustrated with photographs and diagrams of solar features, the total eclipse among them, Spence's work could inspire would-be sun gazers.Gilbert TaylorCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved