The Sun: Beginner's Guide to Our Local Star

Collins Astronomy

by Ryan French

Despite its apparent unchanging appearance in the daytime sky, the Sun is incredibly dynamic and shrouded in mystery. In this guide, Dr. Ryan French explores history, science, and modern observations to uncover the mysteries of the Sun. From ancient astronomers who hailed the Sun as a deity, to new age space exploration, the way we observe the Sun has come a long way. Humanity’s scientific journey to understand the Sun has included many intriguing and humorous tales from over the centuries. In today’s age, it is far easier to become a sun observer. Learn about cutting-edge space observations of the Sun and how to access these images from home. Uncover further methods of observing the Sun safely from your own back garden using off-the-shelf solar telescopes, DIY pin-hole cameras and solar projectors. The perfect gift for anyone wishing to learn more about our local star.

Genres: Science, Astronomy, Nonfiction

109 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 2023

About the author

Dr. Ryan French is a solar physicist, science communicator and author. He is pursuing the mysteries of the Sun at the forefront of modern solar physics research, using cutting edge telescopes on the ground and in space. His research takes him all over the world, collaborating with the global community of solar physicists. Ryan also works to share the wonders of the Sun and space with the public, through social media, museums and observatories, and on television and radio. He is also an avid hiker, rock climber, and skier, perhaps because the mountains take him closer to the Sun.

Reviews

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative, well researched, easy to follow
Highly recommended
Many thanks to the publisher, all opinions are mine

[FireflySeason2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sun is awesome.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief, well-informed survey of our local star. The author's prime mission is to encourage and help the reader to go out and (safely) make his or her own observations. For this reader, a non-astronomer even as a hobbyist, there could have been more on the theory and structure of the sun and less on how to look at it. But I enjoyed the book and I do know a lot more about the sun now.

[A.J. Sefton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sun really is an amazing thing, something we all take for granted while knowing we wouldn't exist without it.

This guide, which has the seal of approval from the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, is a wonderful book that serves as an accessible handbook for sun observers. It starts with the history of observing the sun from ancient times using cave paintings and other markings as evidence. It looks at the disagreements between astronomers in the past and sun theories and the equipment used to test out these theories and observations. Solid history here.

The science in the book is explained well for the layman without being being patronising or too simplistic. These include tips on looking at the sun and what to look out for. Throughout are stunning full colour photographs as well as charts and diagrams. A real feast of information portrayed in fascinating chunks, with a full glossary of terms. Written by a solar physicist who is at the forefront of modern solar physics research.

An enjoyable book for anyone with the slightest interest in the sun. So, everyone then.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating. Makes a very complex subject not only accessible but really entertaining.

[WinterGirl83 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for those interested in anything about our Sun! It's written at a level for beginners and experts alike to understand. Plenty of colour photos throughout.