Product Description

A total eclipse of the Sun is the most awesome sight in the heavens. Totality: Eclipses of the Sun takes you to eclipses of the past, present, and future, and lets you see - and feel - why people travel to the ends of the Earth to observe them. Totality: Eclipses of the Sun is the best guide and reference book on solar eclipses ever written. It explains: how to observe them; how to photograph and videotape them; why they occur; their history and mythology; and future eclipses - when and where to see them Totality also tells the remarkable story of how eclipses shocked scientists, revealed the workings of the Sun, and made Einstein famous. And the book shares the experiences and advice of many veteran eclipse observers. Totality: Eclipses of the Sun is profusely illustrated with stunning photographs (many in color) and more than a hundred maps and diagrams. It can be read by lay people and astronomers with ease and enjoyment.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #489218 in Books
• Published on: 2009-04-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 360 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Francis Baily, spent his twenties exploring unsettled parts of North America and didn't get around to astronomy until he was 37, when he travelled to an annular eclipse of the Sun in southern Scotland. On May 15, 1836 he watched as light from the occluded sun poured through the lunar valleys and reached him broken up into "a row of lucid points, like a string of bright beads". With those words, Baily founded the industry of eclipse chasing.

The best feature of Totality is its wealth of biographical information about eclipse-chasers past and present. Throughout this century, every total eclipse over land has been attended by scientists willing to travel great distances, endure hostile climates--and risk complete failure because of clouds--for a few minutes' view of the corona. This turbulent outer part of the sun, best studied when the sun is obscured, draws observers across the globe to this day.

Totality is one of several portmanteau guides produced in time for the 1999 eclipse, and like most of them it doesn't seem to know which readers it's addressing. Near the beginning the reader is abjured not to let all the science bits "stand in the way of your enjoyment of the wild, wacky, and wonderful things people have thought and done about solar eclipses". What a naff sentiment, in such a fascinating and adult marriage of science, history, biography and sound technical advice. - -Simon Ings

Review
I found the writing style of this superb book particularly to my liking and so easy on the eye that I finished it in just two sittings a very unusual occurrence for me indeed. [] There is no question about this at all; if you have even the slightest interest in our closest star then this book really should be in your collection! (Greg Parker, Astronomy Now )

...continues to prove itself to be an indispensible guide and reference book for solar eclipse observation today...Totality covers every aspect of solar eclipses and addresses a wide audience with an interest in astronomy...If you intend to witness the total solar eclipse next year in India, China and Japan, I highly recommend Totality to be included in your backpack. (Kathryn Chung Bluesci )

Although this work is academic to the extent that it could easily be used as a reference textbook, it is written so professionally that it reads more like a well-crafted novel! (Astronomy Now )

From the Publisher
Prepare for the last total eclipse this century...
‘The finest book on eclipses ever written’ Leif Robinson, Editor-In-Chief, Sky and Telescope Magazine

On 11 August 1999 the last total eclipse of the twentieth century will occur – the first total eclipse of the sun to be visible in Britain for over 70 years. Starting at 9.57am and reaching its total state at 11.11am (British summer time), the eclipse will plunge Devon and Cornwall into complete darkness, with the far north of Scotland reaching 80% darkness. This event is bound to capture the public imagination...

Totality covers the August 1999 eclipse, as well as information on other major eclipses of the forthcoming decade. Including the basics of how and where to view an eclipse--and how to view it safely--this book also presents the history, mythology, solar science, and astrodynamics of eclipses. This edition adds Fred Espenak, noted eclipse photographer and Astrophysicist at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, to the team of authors, and integrates many of his stunning colour photographs into this unparalleled exploration of eclipses.

An indispensable resource for anyone who plans to observe an eclipse, and a fascinating read for anyone with an interest in astronomy, Totality will be the only reference you need to take you through this year's eclipse and beyond.

Customer Reviews

One of the best all-round books for Eclipse chasers.
This is a very good guide to Solar Eclipses, written by authors who have a real passion for Eclipse chasing (Fred Espenak is NASA's leading Eclipse expert).

The book is detailed and informative whilst still remaining an interesting read, and good value as well.

There are other books which take a more scientific approach (such as 'Total Eclipses' by Koutchmy & Guillermier), but I think this is possibly the best single book on the subject, and defenitely the most enjoyable.

The complete guide to natures greatest spectacle.
Everything you could ever wish to know about eclipses. The science behind how eclipses occur, the history of scientific discovery associated with eclipses, cultural aspects, photographic and video tips, what to look for during an eclipse, a list of future eclipses for the next 20 years. This is perhaps the most readable and complete book on eclipses by some of the world's leading authorities. It successfully combines the science, the passion, and the emotion associated with these remarkable celestial events. Don't get left in the dark !!! This excellent book prepares you for the big event.

My experience of the recent 2001 african eclipse was enhanced several fold after reading this book.

Best book on subject.
This is the best book available on the subject.
It includes everything anyone must know when going to observe a total eclipse. The 3rd edition has new stunning photographs from the latest total eclipses and detailed information about the forthcoming ones. I own the second edition too, but i also got this one immediately, as an update.