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.
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.
Über den Autor
Chris Kitchin is Emeritus Professor of Astronomy at the University of Hertfordshire and has a lifelong interest in astronomical instrumentation, using telescopes of all sizes, studying the rapidly growing number of planets known to orbit other stars, and trying to communicate his own excitement at the recent explosion of discoveries about the universe. When not a hundred light years from Earth (at least in his imagination), Chris enjoys being taken for long country walks by his two border collies.
He is author of a vast number of scientific papers and sixteen books by various publishers, including Springer's Illustrated Dictionary of Practical Astronomy, Solar Observing Techniques, Seeing Stars, A Photo Guide to the Constellations, Exoplanets, Galaxies in Turmoil, and of course the first two editions of Telescopes and Techniques, which sold in excess of 12,000 copies.
Zusammenfassung
Explains how to observe the Sun safely and effectively
Aimed at today's amateur astronomers
Comprehensive in its coverage
Theoretical background is given - the author is a professional astronomer
Inhaltsverzeichnis
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.
