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Turner Publishing Company - Philip S. Harrington

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207 pages

English

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The most complete guide to viewing eclipses-including details on every solar and lunar eclipse through 2017

Want to observe the most fleeting eclipse phenomena, take dramatic photos, and keep a detailed record of the experience? Now you can be prepared. This comprehensive one-stop resource covers everything you need to know about solar and lunar eclipses-why they happen, how to view them, how to photograph them, even when and where they will occur through the year 2017. Here's where to turn for:
* Detailed explanations of eclipse mechanics and dynamics, viewing techniques, and what to look for, both in the sky and all around you
* Extended discussions of eclipse photography and videography-film selection and developing, filter requirements, special care of equipment, and more
* Intriguing individual and group activities you can carry out during an eclipse to heighten your enjoyment and deepen your understanding of the event
* Detailed maps and discussions on how and where to best view each eclipse, plus travel considerations, likely weather conditions, and equipment recommendations

Whether you're a backyard astronomer, a dedicated eclipse chaser, or a teacher guiding students through their first eclipse experience, Eclipse! provides the in-depth, detailed, practical information you need to make the most of these thrilling celestial marvels of nature.
The Dynamic Duo.

An Eclipse Watcher's Shopping List.

Sun Worshiping.

A Bit of Luna-See.

Eclipse Photography.

The Best Laid Plans.

Solar Eclipses: 1998-2017.

Lunar Eclipses: 1998-2017.

Appendices.

Notes.

Index.

Sujets

Astronomie

Astrophysique

Science

Why

Lunar Eclipse

Astronomy

When

Where

Sciences et techniques

Space Science

Informations

Publié par	Turner Publishing Company
Date de parution	21 avril 2008
Nombre de lectures	0
EAN13	9780470302453
Langue	English
Poids de l'ouvrage	2 Mo

Informations légales : prix de location à la page 0,0998€. Cette information est donnée uniquement à titre indicatif conformément à la législation en vigueur.

Extrait

Eclipse!
The What, Where, When, Why , and How Guide to Watching Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Philip S. Harrington

John Wiley Sons, Inc.
New York Chichester Weinheim Brisbane Singapore Toronto
For my mother-in-law , Helen Hunt, and grandparents-in-law, John and Anna Musick, with love and thanks

This text is printed on acid-free paper.
Copyright 1997 by Philip S. Harrington Published by John Wiley Sons, Inc.
All rights reserved. Published simultaneously in Canada.
Reproduction or translation of any part of this work beyond that permitted by section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act without the permission of the copyright owner is unlawful. Requests for permission or further information should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley Sons, Inc.
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Harrington, Philip S.
Eclipse! : the what, where, when, why, and how guide to watching solar and lunar eclipses / Philip S. Harrington,
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 0-471-12795-7 (pbk. : alk. paper)
1. Solar eclipses-Observers manuals. 2. Lunar eclipses-
Observers manuals. I. Title.
QB541.H35 1997
523.7 8-dc21
96-29777

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
1 The Dynamic Duo
A Brief History Lesson
The Age of Understanding
How Does an Eclipse Work?
Solar Eclipses
Lunar Eclipses
2 An Eclipse Watcher s Shopping List
Safety First
Telescopes and Binoculars
Eyepieces
More Stuff
3 Sun Worshiping
Partial Solar Eclipses
Total Solar Eclipses
Annular Solar Eclipses
The C Word
Eclipse Addiction
4 A Bit of Luna-See
Penumbral Lunar Eclipses
Partial Lunar Eclipses
Total Lunar Eclipses
5 Eclipse Photography
Equipment and Techniques
Setting the Mood
Darkroom Wizardry
6 The Best Laid Plans
The Site
The Traveling Telescope
The International Scene
Is Getting There Really Half the Fun?
7 Solar Eclipses: 1998-2017
8 Lunar Eclipses: 1998-2017
Appendix A. Equipment Suppliers
Appendix B. Bibliography and Further Reading
Appendix C. Societies and Associations
Appendix D. Solar Eclipse Tour Companies
Appendix E. Converting Universal Time to Local Time
Appendix F. Polar Alignment
Appendix G. NASA Request Form for Solar Eclipse Bulletins
Notes
Index
Preface
Amongst all the wonders of all the wonderful sciences there is no science which deals with such a gorgeous spectacle as is exhibited by the queen of sciences, astronomy, at the moment when the earth is gradually shrouded in darkness and when around the smiling orb of day there appears the matchless crown of the corona. Nor can any science duplicate the wonderful precision shown by the work of the astronomer in his capacity to predict hundreds of years in advance the exact hour and minute at which an eclipse will take place and the locality where such an eclipse will be visible.
So wrote S. A. Mitchell in Eclipses of the Sun (1923). Back then, few people followed eclipses with the fervor and dedication that we see today. Enthusiasts think nothing of jetting around the world just to witness the few brief moments of a total solar eclipse. And with good reason, for all who behold the majesty of totality will give impassioned testimony to its unbridled glory. A total solar eclipse is the most beautiful and emotionally charged celestial event of all.
Annular, or ring of fire, solar eclipses also attract wide attention, as do partial eclipses. And the more common lunar eclipses, which have always taken a backseat to solar eclipses, bring with them a unique beauty that may be enjoyed by both veteran eclipse watchers and apprentice sky gazers alike. Personally, I always look forward to a total lunar eclipse with great anticipation, perhaps because it was the eclipse of April 1968 that first pulled me into this fascinating hobby and science of astronomy. And I have been hooked ever since!
The purpose of the book you hold before you is simple. I want to spread some of my love and enthusiasm for solar and lunar eclipses. Inside, you will find chapters that detail the mechanics of solar and lunar eclipses, that tell you what equipment (if any) it takes to view and photograph eclipses, and that discuss what to look for during each type of eclipse. The book culminates with a pair of chapters that detail all solar and lunar eclipses set to occur between the years 1998 and 2017. Believe me, there are some exciting times ahead for both solar-and lunar-eclipse lovers.
Acknowledgments
Trying to write a book on any technical subject is always a difficult task. Indeed, it might well be impossible-for me, anyway-were it not for the help and contributions from many individuals. These folks have contributed their time and their talent to helping make this book a success. My heartfelt thanks to each of them.
First, to the photographers. What would a book on eclipses be, without some striking photographs? One look through the pages to come and I think you will agree that this book has some of the finest ever taken by amateur astronomers. For these I must thank Steve Albers, John Davis, Daniel Fischer, Akira Fujii, Tim Kelley, Brian Kennedy, Jack Newton, Ernest Piini, Frans Pyck, Spencer Rackley IV, Richard Sanderson, Craig Small, Byron Soulsby, Sam Storch, Bernie Volz, and Paul Whitmarsh.
Many people waded through the early stages of this book. It was these proofreaders suggestions, comments, and criticisms that helped to mold and steer the book s content into its final form. For giving their honest, sometimes harsh (but always deserved) criticism, I wish to thank Daniel Fischer, Daniel Green, Dave Kratz, Jack Megas, Ernie Piini, Patrick Poitevin, Richard Sanderson, and Craig Small.
The data tables throughout chapters 7 and 8 have been generated by and checked with various software programs, most notably Christian Nuesch s Lunar Eclipse and Matthew Merrill s Solar Eclipse . My thanks to them both. The maps in the two chapters are based on plots made with Eclipse Complete from Zephyr Services. All of these programs are available from sources listed in Appendix A.
Thanks to all those who contributed some wonderful anecdotes and eclipse stories, many of which have been woven into various chapters of the book, as well as to Jay Anderson, Fred Espenak, and Joe Rao for fielding my many questions. My gratitude also to Kate Bradford, my editor at Wiley, who has always been very encouraging throughout the book s gestation period.
None of the photographs, maps, or words would have made their way onto these pages were it not for the love and support of my wife, Wendy, and daughter, Helen. They have tolerated me-indeed, bolstered me- throughout the more than two years it has taken to bring this book to print, and I love them dearly for their boundless love.
Finally, I want to thank you, the reader, for picking up this book. Viewing eclipses is one of the most inspirational aspects of astronomy, and I truly hope you find these pages to be full of information and excitement. I would like to hear from you, too. If you have comments or questions, don t hesitate to write to me in care of the publisher, John Wiley Sons, 605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158. If you prefer, you may send electronic mail to me directly at either psh@juno.com, pharrington@compuserve.com, or starware1@aol.com.
The Dynamic Duo
Gossamer clouds of glowing hydrogen and cluster of colorful stars. Alien planets enveloped in noxious atmospheres and airless worlds pitted with innumerable craters. Frigid comets with long, graceful tails, and infinitely distant galaxies. These are just some of the wondrous sights that the sky holds in store for stargazers. All are unique, all are special. But of all there is to enjoy in our universe, none has drawn more attention, struck greater fear, or captured the hearts and souls of stargazers more than eclipses of the sun and moon.
Those who have witnessed their beauty firsthand describe total solar eclipses as the most awe-inspiring events that nature has to offer. People travel great distances just to witness the stark beauty of the solar corona, chromosphere, and prominences-all features of the Sun that are normally hidden by the intensity of the Sun s brilliant surface, the photosphere.
Lunar eclipses can also be powerfully moving events. As the Moon slips into the shadow of the Earth, it will frequently take on a colorful, ruddy tint that many observers have compared to the view of the red planet Mars through telescopes. The view can be especially memorable if the Moon is nestled within a star-filled backdrop. And unlike a solar eclipse, whose maximum phase is visible over a comparatively small portion of the Earth s surface, a lunar eclipse appears exactly the same from anywhere on the night side of the Earth. This convenience affords many more people the opportunity to enjoy an eclipse s beauty without leaving their homes.
Our fascination with these captivating celestial events is nothing new. Solar and lunar eclipses have attracted a great deal of attention for as long as humans have looked at the heavens.
A BRIEF HISTORY LESSON
Throughout human history, the night sky was for the most part considered to be serene and never-changing. Our ancestors took great solace in that feeling of permanence. Although every once in a while an unexplainable event would pass over their heads, such as a shooting star, or meteor, flashing briefly across the heavens, or perhaps simply a wandering star (which is the literal meaning of the word planet ) moving slowly agains