Total Solar Eclipses and How to Observe Them

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xiv

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2. Eclipse Mechanisms, Statistics and Tracks

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1

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   2. Why Do Eclipses Occur?

      Pages 3-19

   3. The Solar Atmosphere

      Pages 20-28

   4. The Shadow of the Moon

      Pages 29-38

   5. The Rugged Lunar Limb

      Pages 39-43

   6. Shadow Bands and Other Phenomena

      Pages 44-52

   7. Eclipses and Tracks 2008–2028

      Pages 53-90

3. Observing and Travelling to Total Solar Eclipses

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 91-91

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   2. Safety First

      Pages 93-100

   3. Eclipse Trips – The Real Experience

      Pages 101-112

   4. Checklists and Travel Plans

      Pages 113-122

   5. Video, Sketch and Savour the View!

      Pages 123-132

   6. DSLRs and Digital Eclipse Photography

      Pages 133-174

   7. Some Very Keen Eclipse Chasers

      Pages 175-186

   8. The H-Alpha Revolution

      Pages 187-194

4. Back Matter

   Pages 195-201

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To children the world is full of magical events, and the line between make-believe and reality is (happily) distinctly blurred. However, as we all age and have to be realistic, earn money, become serious and responsible adults (yawn!) and accept that life is short and no one is immortal, those magical events fade and die. We accept that the worlds of make-believe are simply a product of the vivid imagi- tions of great story tellers, and that we are all very similar human beings; just sl- ging away at the tedious day job, and hoping for a win on the lottery. However, there are still a few events which are truly magical and, for me, total solar eclipses (TSEs) are about as magical an event as you can ever experience. Our Earth and Sun are, by a ludicrously lucky coincidence (or, some would argue, by a cosmic architect) almost the same apparent size in the sky. Thus, seventy times a century, the Moon’s shadow passes over a narrow band on the Earth’s surface and, for those on the track, with clear skies, a truly awe-inspiring sight can be seen. But be warned, eclipse chasing is an addictive drug. Once you have seen tot- ity, you will crave more of the same. The sight of an eclipsed Sun is the stuff of science ?ction, but, for the cost of a plane ?ight or an organized holiday, it can be yours, albeit for a few ?eeting minutes.

• Eclipse Chasers
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• Total Solar Eclipse
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From the reviews:

"This isn’t just another book on the subject of solar eclipses – there is more here than you might find elsewhere. … The author, a skilled astro-photographer himself, later covers the photographic section of the book very well and there are tips on how to successfully record eclipse images. … I can happily recommend this book and will be surprised if it is not amongst the luggage and reading materials of eclipse chasers for several years to come." (Brian Halls, Astronomy Now, December, 2007)

"If you’re planning to join the increasing number of people who regularly travel the world to witness the beauty of a total solar eclipse, then this book is for you. … Black-and-white and colour pictures punctuate the text throughout and the colour images of the solar corona by Miloslav Druckmüller are excellent. … Overall it is very informative and highly readable." (Geoff Elston, BBC Sky at Night, January, 2008)

"The greatest natural occurrence you can witness – bar none – is a total solar eclipse. If one of these spectacular events is in your future, you owe it to yourself to pick up Martin Mobberley’s new book … . Mobberley has packed this book with specific information on this topic. … has filled 200 pages with information about total solar eclipses, while many books devote only one chapter to all eclipses. The 115 photographs and diagrams make this a must-have book." (Michael Bakich, Astronomy, April, 2008)

"Total solar eclipses are rare events that often occur in awkward locations on Earth. … Mobberley provides a well-written description of the ‘whys’ of eclipses as well as practical hints for how to prepare to observe them. … The line drawings and photographs are excellent, and the glossy paper shows them to best advantage. Mobberley draws on extensive experience to provide humorous vignettes of eclipse-travel adventures. … Summing Up: Recommended. General readers." (M. K.Hemenway, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (7), 2008)

"The arrival of this book was well-timed and relevant. … This book is one of Springer’s Astronomy Observing Guides which, in my experience, have proved to be useful additions to my astronomical library. … All in all, the book is a useful addition to the eclipse chaser’s library and will be a good reference for those who are considering their first eclipse trip. The book is well illustrated, gives good practical advice, and … is very good value for money." (Steve Bell, The Observatory, Vol. 128 (1205), August, 2008)

"This is one of the first books to concentrate on digital photography for capturing the fine details of the eclipsed Sun. … I thoroughly enjoyed Mobberley’s non-technical approach and his personal perspectives. His explanations of eclipse phenomena are clear and a joy to read. Total Solar Eclipses should be on every eclipse chaser’s bookshelf." (Robert Garfinkle, Sky & Telescope, November, 2008)

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  Martin Mobberley

Martin Mobberley has a BSc Honours degree in Electronic Engineering from Brunel University, and is a former British Astronomical Association President and Goodacre Medallist.

He is also the author of Astronomical Equipment for Amateurs (1998) and The New Amateur Astronomer (2004); Lunar & Planetary Webcam User’s Guide (NYP); Supernovae and How to Observe them (NYP),. He has contributed chapters to three other Springer Practical Astronomy Series Books. He wrote the children’s book Space Navigator, and has published many papers in Astronomy Now, The Journal of the British Astronomical Association, The Astronomer, and Sky & Telescope.

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