Full Description
The purpose of this book is to introduce the reader to the numerous safe methods of observing the Sun and solar eclipses, and to suggest objects and features to observe and observing programmes to follow. So much energy comes from the Sun that by failing to observe safe working practices it is possible to damage your eyes or equipment. The care that is needed is emphasised throughout the book. Always make sure that you have read the whole of a section or chapter before starting any observational work. However in warning when care is needed in observing, there is a danger of scaring people off observing the Sun altogether. Let me emphasise therefore that observing the Sun can be done in complete safely, providing that the precautions discussed in the book are followed. The Sun then provides one of the most interesting objects in the sky for an astronomer to study at all times, and during a total solar eclipse becomes uniquely fascinat ing to both astronomers and the general public alike. So take heed of the warnings given here but do not let them stop you trying out the safe observing methods. I wish you clear sunny skies and many hours of fun. Chris Kitchin Hertford, 2001 Acknowledgements I would like to thank Dr Ralph Chou for his help in supplying details of filters and of sources of further information on them.
Contents
1 The Sun — What to See and Why.- Beginnings.- Sunspots.- Sunspot Cycle.- Limb Darkening, Granulation and Faculae.- Narrow Band Observations.- Eclipses.- 2 General Telescopic Observing Techniques.- Full Aperture Filters.- Projection.- Other Approaches.- Optimising Your Telescope.- 3 White Light Observing.- Sunspots.- Limb Darkening.- Granulation.- Faculae.- 4 Recording Your Observations.- Drawing.- Photography.- CCD Cameras.- Image Processing.- Video Cameras.- 5 Observing Programmes.- The Sunspot Cycle.- Active Regions.- Solar Rotation.- 6 Unaided Observations.- Projected Images.- Filters.- 7 Eclipses.- Eclipses.- Eclipse Expeditions.- Naked Eye Observing.- Binoculars and Telescopes.- Specialist Instrumentation.- Transits.- 8 Specialist Instruments.- Narrow Band Filters.- Spectroscopy.- 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.
