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Totality: Eclipses of the Sun
A total eclipse of the Sun is the most awesome sight in the heavens. Totality 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.
An absolutely indispensable resource for anyone who plans to observe an eclipse, and a must read for all astronomy buffs, this superb new edition brims with the anecdotes, experiences, and advice of many veteran eclipse observers. Indeed, it is the best guide and reference book on solar eclipses ever written, packed with information on how to observe them; how to photograph and videotape them; why they occur; their history and mythology; how eclipses revealed the workings of the Sun and made Einstein famous; and when and where to see future eclipses. Totality once again features the spectacular photography of Fred Espenak, who runs the NASA Eclipse Home Page and is the best-known and respected of all eclipse calculators and information sources. His many stunning color photographs illuminate this unparalleled exploration of eclipses. The volume has been updated to include current information on upcoming eclipses, with new chapters on the total eclipses due in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2017, plus all new chapters on how to photograph, video record, and process your eclipse images, with emphasis on the new generation of digital cameras.
Strikingly illustrated with stunning photographs and more than a hundred maps and diagrams, here is everything you need to know about eclipses of the sun, in an accurate, clearly written, and entertaining volume that can be read by lay people and astronomers with ease and enjoyment.
An absolutely indispensable resource for anyone who plans to observe an eclipse, and a must read for all astronomy buffs, this superb new edition brims with the anecdotes, experiences, and advice of many veteran eclipse observers. Indeed, it is the best guide and reference book on solar eclipses ever written, packed with information on how to observe them; how to photograph and videotape them; why they occur; their history and mythology; how eclipses revealed the workings of the Sun and made Einstein famous; and when and where to see future eclipses. Totality once again features the spectacular photography of Fred Espenak, who runs the NASA Eclipse Home Page and is the best-known and respected of all eclipse calculators and information sources. His many stunning color photographs illuminate this unparalleled exploration of eclipses. The volume has been updated to include current information on upcoming eclipses, with new chapters on the total eclipses due in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2017, plus all new chapters on how to photograph, video record, and process your eclipse images, with emphasis on the new generation of digital cameras.
Strikingly illustrated with stunning photographs and more than a hundred maps and diagrams, here is everything you need to know about eclipses of the sun, in an accurate, clearly written, and entertaining volume that can be read by lay people and astronomers with ease and enjoyment.
343 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 10, 2012
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.
April 17, 2016
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
It was very interesting
July 17, 2017
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.
March 12, 2025
Excellent book!
March 27, 2015
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!
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!
April 9, 2008
This book provides a great overview of an amazing phenomenon in terms that can make an astronomer out of anyone.
February 25, 2013
Great book about eclipses. My only criticism is that all the pics r in black and white.
May 4, 2013
Brilliant for beginners and intermediate solar scanners. Lots of food for thought
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews