America's First Eclipse Chasers: Stories of Science, Planet Vulcan, Quicksand, and the Railroad Boom

In 2017, over 200 million Americans witnessed the spectacular total eclipse of the Sun. The 2024 eclipse is expected to draw even larger crowds. This book takes us back in history over 150 years, telling the story of the nations first-ever eclipse chasers. The 1869 total eclipse took place during the turbulent age of the chimerical Planet Vulcan and Civil War Reconstruction. The protagonists were met with unanticipated dangers, mission-threatening accidents, and eccentric characters only the West could produce.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 443 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

In 2017, a remarkable spectacle unfolded before the eyes of over 200 million Americans, as the Sun underwent a spectacular total eclipse. The anticipation for the next eclipse in 2024 is expected to draw even larger crowds, making it a momentous event in the annals of astronomical history. To delve into the rich tapestry of eclipse chasers, this book takes us on a journey back in time, spanning over 150 years. Our story unfolds as scientists and amateur astronomers embark on daring expeditions across the western United States, driven by their unwavering curiosity to witness the rare phenomenon of a total solar eclipse.

The focal point of our narrative revolves around the expeditions of the 1869 total eclipse, which occurred during a tumultuous era marked by the fictional Planet Vulcan and the aftermath of the Civil War Reconstruction. The protagonists of our tale are a diverse group, comprising astronomical giants such as Simon Newcomb and pioneering female astronomers like Maria Mitchell. These individuals faced countless challenges and dangers as they traversed the vast expanse of the American West, from equipment failures and mishaps to treacherous terrain and unexpected encounters with eccentric characters that only the Wild West could produce.

Our journey takes us through a network of bustling US railroad lines, allowing us to explore viewing sites that range from familiar landmarks like Des Moines, Iowa, to remote and exotic destinations like newly acquired Alaska. From the thrill of witnessing celestial wonders to the trials and tribulations of navigating the unpredictable nature of solar eclipses, this book offers a captivating glimpse into the world of eclipse chasers.

Through vivid descriptions and captivating anecdotes, we witness the triumphs and setbacks of these pioneering explorers, as they push the boundaries of knowledge and discovery in the field of astronomy. Their unwavering dedication and resilience in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to all who seek to explore the unknown and embrace the wonders of the universe.

So, join us on this remarkable journey as we relive the history of the nations first eclipse chasers, and discover the untold stories that shaped the course of astronomical exploration. Prepare to be transported back in time, where the skies danced with magic and the stakes were as high as the stars themselves.

Weight: 957g
Dimension: 240 x 168 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031241239
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023