The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the Sun - Hardcover

Lang, Kenneth R.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521780934 ISBN 13: 9780521780933

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2001

Synopsis

The Sun is our powerhouse, sustaining life on Earth, energizing our planet, and fueling the engine of life. Its warmth drives our weather, lifting water from the seas, and producing winds that drive clouds over the continents. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the Sun is the fundamental, up-to-date reference source of information about this life-enhancing star, covering everything from basic facts to detailed concepts. Organized thematically, chapters feature: -the properties of the Sun as a star -the Sun's place in the Galaxy and the Universe -the science of the Sun's interior -the sun's visible disk -what makes the sun shine. Kenneth Lang also explains solar flares and the solar wind, and their impact on the Earth. Many full-color figures and photographs throughout the book make all the information highly accessible. Kenneth R. Lang is a professor of astronomy in the Physics and Astronomy Department at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. He is the author of several astrophysics books including Wanderers in Space (Cambridge, 1991), Sun, Earth and Sky (Copernicus, 1997), and The Sun from Space (Springer Verlag, 2000).

About this title

About the Author

Kenneth R. Lang is Professor of Astronomy at Tufts University.

Reviews

Armed with abundant data amassed via the Very Large Array radio telescope and "modern spacecraft," Lang (Astrophysical Data) of Tufts University embarked solo on this dense resource volume. Geared toward "anyone with a scientific interest in the Sun," the book is thick with equations, conversion tables, charts of spectral flux, etc. Answers to questions like "Why does the human eye respond just to visible light?" quickly depart the lay realm. Photos.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

The purpose of this volume is to provide a thorough, up-to-date reference on all aspects of our home star, from basic physical data to detailed concepts. Written by an astronomer and award-winning author of numerous books and articles, the work is intended for both the specialist and the interested layperson. It is written in a clear style with a minimum of equations. Focus boxes provide added information without interrupting the flow of the narrative. Tables of fundamental data complement the text.

Each of the nine chapters addresses a different theme. These themes include physical properties, the magnetic solar atmosphere, solar winds and explosions, solar observations, and the Sun-Earth connection. The volume is well illustrated with figures and photographs in both color and black and white. A 35-page glossary provides definitions of terms and acronyms as well as information on telescopes, satellites, and instruments. A short annotated bibliography and an unannotated directory of Web sites are appended. Indexing is crucial in an encyclopedia that is thematically arranged; fortunately, the index that concludes the volume is quite detailed.

Most astronomy-related reference books provide some basic information on the Sun. This encyclopedia is particularly suited to academic and special libraries with a need for more comprehensive information. REVWR
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Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521780934
• ISBN 13: 9780521780933
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 268