Totality: Eclipses of the Sun

by Mark Littmann, Ken Willcox, Fred Espenak

Now Oxford University Press is pleased to be publishing a new edition of Totality that has been updated to include current information on the August 1999 eclipse over parts of Europe, Turkey, and Africa, 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 new edition also 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 color photographs into this unparalleled exploration of eclipses.

Genres: Astronomy, Science

296 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1991

Reviews

[Jeremy Steinberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book to get yourself prepared and knowledgeable prior to an eclipse viewing - as for me, read in preparation for the Nov 14 2012 eclipse. Some chapters are written to be accessible to everyone while others require more of a foundation of knowledge in astronomy. They do warn you about this. You can certainly still get a lot out of this book if you don't have that foundation but you will glaze over in certain parts.

[Kadri · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good, covers all the basics, and gives lots of information on myths related to solar eclipses and also modern superstitions. Also provides maps of solar eclipses for several eclipses and advice for taking pictures and processing them and also for recording a video of an eclipse. Importantly also talks of the scientific value of solar eclipse observations both in history and in modern times.

It was very interesting

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for what it was. Certain chapters were more interesting than others, such as the chapter on Eclipses in Mythology. However, I wanted more on the science behind eclipses, which I felt was pretty watered down in this particular edition. I would be curious to see how this book has been updated for the new edition that has been recently released for the eclipse coming up in August in North America.

[Jonathan Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

[Rudradeep Mukherjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every five stars is well deserved. The way the book is written can deeply inspire space enthusiasts like me. Ever got moved by a Solar Eclipse? Ever chased one? Then this book is for you.

My first taste of a 'proper' Solar Eclipse was when I was 15 years old. The day was July 22, 2009. In India, the Eclipse of Saros 136 family greeted us for 6 minutes and 39 seconds. But, unfortunately I couldn't get a good look because of the cloud cover owing to monsoons. But, I was there. I chased the sun since 7:00 A.M in the morning. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. You're panting, there is adrenaline in your blood and suddenly the Sun disappears from the sky! You seldom see cosmic dance on such an enormous scale. On that day I decided to know as much as I can about Eclipses. Many years passed and finally, I found this amazing piece of writing.

So, go on. Give it a read!

[Jarrod · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides a great overview of an amazing phenomenon in terms that can make an astronomer out of anyone.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about eclipses. My only criticism is that all the pics r in black and white.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant for beginners and intermediate solar scanners. Lots of food for thought