Product Description

The most complete guide to viewing eclipses–including details on every solar and lunar eclipse through 2017

Want to observe the most fleeting eclipse phenomena, take dramatic photos, and keep a detailed record of the experience? Now you can be prepared. This comprehensive one–stop resource covers everything you need to know about solar and lunar eclipses–why they happen, how to view them, how to photograph them, even when and where they will occur through the year 2017. Here′s where to turn for:
∗ Detailed explanations of eclipse mechanics and dynamics, viewing techniques, and what to look for, both in the sky and all around you
∗ Extended discussions of eclipse photography and videography–film selection and developing, filter requirements, special care of equipment, and more
∗ Intriguing individual and group activities you can carry out during an eclipse to heighten your enjoyment and deepen your understanding of the event
∗ Detailed maps and discussions on how and where to best view each eclipse, plus travel considerations, likely weather conditions, and equipment recommendations

Whether you′re a backyard astronomer, a dedicated eclipse chaser, or a teacher guiding students through their first eclipse experience, Eclipse! provides the in–depth, detailed, practical information you need to make the most of these thrilling celestial marvels of nature.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #642636 in Books
• Published on: 1997-10-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 280 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
At one point, Eclipse! takes time off from its primary task--a detailed technical guide to observing and recording eclipses around the globe--to tell the monitory tale of the pupils of a school in Baltimore, Maryland. On eclipse day May 1994, these eager and inquisitive children were not only kept in by their teachers during the event (owing to "legal considerations"); they were not even allowed near the windows! Of course, on the list of Things That Are Bound to Ruin Your Eclipse, other people's idiocy comes quite low. Top contenders for 1999 in the southwest of England are cloud and bad traffic. For those of us disappointed on the day, our tempers will only fray further the more we are told by lazy journalists that this was "our only chance to see an eclipse". This is of course a nonsense. Eclipses happen all over the world at reasonably frequent intervals and over the next few years they will be visible from many exciting locations. (Harare, 2001, anyone?) Philip Harrington's handsomely illustrated technical manual (none of your poorly-reproduced NASA Web site maps, here) is both a resource for experienced eclipse chasers and an excellent introduction for those bitten by the bug on August 11, 1999. As one observer says: "No matter how much totality you've seen, it's never enough. Nicotine, alcohol, gambling, any conventional addiction you can think of; umbral dependence is worse." --Simon Ings

From the Publisher
Eclipse!
Probably the most complete book on the subject, Harrington provides a comprehensive catalogue of everything you need to know in advance of August's great event, including tips on photography, safety notes, and lists of future solar and lunar eclipses across the world - helpful if you get the bug, or are disappointed by a Cornish wipe-out and decide to have another shot at observing these great events. - The Observer, 16 May 1999

From the Author
A new book for all eclipse chasers and jet setters!
My latest book. Within the pages, you'll find details about solar and lunar eclipse mechanics, how to observe and photograph these fascinating celestial events, and complete details on every eclipse of the sun and moon between 1998 and 2017. For further details, visit my STAR WARE HOME PAGE.

Customer Reviews

The Aug '99 eclipse is around the corner,THIS BOOK IS A MUST
I have been planning my trip to view the August 1999 total solar eclipse for a few years now. It's almost here!! Thanks to this book, the best about eclipses by far, I am ready! Chapters detail traveling to other countries, what to bring, how to photograph eclipses, and even information about *every* eclipse between now and 2017. It even gives details about expected climatological conditions!

This book is more than solar eclipses, however. It also gives me new appreciation for lunar eclipses as well. There is a beauty coming up in January 2000 that will be visible right from my backyard. I'm now ready for that one, too!!

Complete guide to nature's most spectacular show
Total solar eclipses are mother nature's rarest and best trick: for a few precious moments, a blackness replaces the sun.

This book answers the what-where-why, as well as capturing the awe of total solar eclipses, and also covers the related phenomenon of lunar and partial solar eclipses.

The book has the technical integrity to not "talk down" to the audience while still being interesting to the non-scientist.

Well written, fascinating - I'm hooked
I picked this book up in the library but it's one I will own. In one chapter all my questions about how eclipses work were answered and much more. Harrington has helped me discover the wonder and uniqueness of each upcoming eclipse, even if I won't always be on the right continent to observe them myself. An excellent guide book for everyone from the simply curious to the avid eclipse chaser.