Nearest Star: The Surprising Science of Our Sun Book

Nearest Star: The Exciting Science of Our Sun by Leon Golub and Jay M. Pasachoff To be published by Harvard University Press May 2001 "A book written with both knowledge of and affection for the subject, so that portions of it are almost as warming as the sun itself." Virginia Trimble, University of Maryland and University of California at Irvine "It's easy to take for granted our nearest star, the star that provides us with heat and light, ingredients we need for our existence. But with clear prose, the authors bring us an exciting and important tale of what we know about our vital neighbor, how we know it, and what we're still learning at the forefront of research." Wendy Freedman, Carnegie Observatories, a leader of the Hubble Space Telescope's Key Project on the Cosmic Distance Scale "The Sun is life, and for us Earthlings it anchors the most important real estate in the universe. Until this century we didn't have a clue as to how the Sun works. Golub and Pasachoff--expert solar physicists--unveil in everyday language the Sun's wonderfully energetic alchemy and the many ways it influences our lives. They provide a harmonious balance between historical reflection and cutting-edge science." Leif J. Robinson, Editor Emeritus, "Sky & Telescope" magazine "The State of the Sun: Here, in a single, beautifully written volume, Golub and Pasachoff have brought us all up to date about the most important star of all. This book should appeal to everyone who have gone outside, felt the heat of the Sun, and wanted to learn more about it. The chapter on eclipses is particularly good, which is not surprising considering that Pasachoff has seen more eclipses than anyone else I know. Both authors are expert and their words are easy to understand, enjoy, and learn from." David Levy "A happy life here on Earth depends on many things - sufficient food, clean water, good health, a friendly environment, harmony, beauty. But all of these are insignificant compared to one more - sunlight. Without the sun our Earth would be a dead and frozen wasteland. This excellent book by two eloquent experts describes our wondrous star. It is huge, complex, turbulent, constantly erupting and ultimately evolving. - An important star, an important book." Paul Hodge, Professor of Astronomy, University of Washington, Editor, The Astronomical Journal "This timely book considers the latest achievements and advances in solar physics. Written by two of the world's most active and brilliant astrophysicists, it offers clues that may lead to the resolution of many of the most fundamental questions facing solar physicists, including the hotly debated question of the nature of the relationship between the sun and the earth." Serge Koutchmy, "Directeur de Recherche" at Paris Institut d'Astrophysique; CNRS-FranceRead More