Solar Surveyors: Observing the Sun from Space

The book chronicles the history of humankind's quest to understand the Sun, from ancient observations to modern nuclear physics, and discusses the missions that have explored its characteristics and energy output. It is richly illustrated with mission photos, design diagrams, and infocharts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 535 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The Sun, the dominant object in our Solar System, has captivated the human race for centuries, fueling our quest to understand its true nature. Award-winning science writer Peter Bond takes readers on a captivating journey through the evolution of our understanding of the Sun, from the simple observations of classical astronomy to the cutting-edge insights of nuclear physics.

In this comprehensive book, Bond explores how our ideas about the Sun have changed over millennia, tracing the progression from ancient observations to modern telescopic discoveries. He delves into the fundamental characteristics of the Sun, such as its distance, size, temperature, and composition, shedding light on the mysteries that have puzzled scientists for centuries.

Through the use of sophisticated instruments, Bond reveals the Sun's immense energy output, its complex atmosphere, and the explosive eruptions that send clouds of magnetized gas and high-energy particles towards our planet. The book focuses particularly on the Space Age, when suborbital rockets and satellites have probed every aspect of our nearby star, providing invaluable insights into the Sun's behavior.

Each mission is described in detail, outlining its objectives, spacecraft designs, scientific payloads, and the groundbreaking discoveries that have been made. From the pioneering Mariner 2 mission to the latest Solar Orbiter mission, Bond provides a comprehensive account of the advancements in solar research.

The book also looks forward, predicting forthcoming missions that will further unravel the remaining solar mysteries, such as the source of the energy that heats the outer corona to millions of degrees. Richly illustrated with mission photos, design diagrams, and information charts, this book is a fascinating read for anyone interested in the Sun and our ongoing efforts to unlock its secrets.

In conclusion, The Sun: A History of Our Understanding is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the most important object in our universe. Through Peter Bond's expert storytelling and comprehensive analysis, readers will gain a newfound appreciation for the Sun's incredible power, complexity, and the ongoing efforts to unravel its mysteries.

Weight: 1030g
Dimension: 240 x 168 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030987879
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022