EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE PUBLISHING

Eclipse Chasers

Paperback
February 2023
9781486317073
More details
  • Publisher
    CSIRO Publishing
  • Published
    22nd February 2023
  • ISBN 9781486317073
  • Language English
  • Pages 216 pp.
  • Size 6" x 9"
  • Images 55 color photos, 25 maps, 10 b&w photos, 9 illus
$25.99

Witnessing a total solar eclipse is a wondrous and unforgettable event!

Eclipse Chasers is a guide to past and future Australian total solar eclipses, exploring historical and cultural knowledge, as well as featuring five upcoming eclipses that will be visible in Australia.

The science of eclipses is explained, as well as how to prepare for an eclipse and view it safely. For upcoming eclipses the best locations to view each one are revealed, alongside tips for taking photographs.

The book also reveals untold stories of how past Australian astronomers observed the total eclipses that have occurred since European settlement, and how these eclipses were celebrated in popular culture, poetry and art. It explores the great significance of solar eclipses for First Nations peoples, and their observations and cultural meanings.

Eclipse Chasers showcases the drama and beauty of total solar eclipses and is essential for anyone fascinated by these amazing events.

Features:

  • An easy-to-understand guide to the science of a solar eclipse.
  • Reveals inspiring stories about total eclipses in Australia, including stories of women and their often-unacknowledged involvement in science.
  • Features First Nations observations and cultural meanings of total solar eclipses from a First Nations Elder and cultural astronomy expert.
  • Includes locations and times to safely view a series of total solar eclipses coming up over the next two decades in Australia: April 2023; July 2028, Nov 2030, July 2037 and December 2038.
  • Includes advice on total solar eclipse photography.
  • The book includes information for teachers, and teacher notes will be available from the CSIRO Publishing website.

Foreword
Acknowledgements
Preface
About the authors and contributors
Cultural sensitivity warning

1: Why observe eclipses?
2: Solar eclipses in First Nations traditions
3: Early advances in observing eclipses
4: Tracking the Sun with mirrors
5: Proving Einstein’s general theory of relativity
6: Viewing eclipses from land and air
7: Chasing eclipses
8: Planning an eclipse adventure

Glossary
Index

Nick Lomb

Astronomy Professor Dr. Nick Lomb has guided Australians in all things astronomical for decades. Nick was the Powerhouse Museum/Sydney Observatory Astronomy curator for 30 years, and is the author of the annual Australasian Sky Guide.

Toner Stevenson

Dr. Toner Stevenson is an honorary History affiliate at the University of Sydney, and has over 30 years’ experience working in museums and heritage sites in Australia and the UK.

Solar eclipse; astronomy; eclipse prediction; Australian history