The Sun (Golub and Pasachoff book)

Leon Golub is a senior astrophysicist at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Jay M. Pasachoff (1943–2022) was the Field Memorial Professor of Astronomy at Williams College. He was also the director of the Hopkins Observatory and the head of the International Astronomical Union’s Working Group on Solar Eclipses. Pasachoff authored The Peterson Field Guide to the Stars and Planets and co-authored The Cosmos: Astronomy in the New Millennium. Golub and Pasachoff have previously published two popular books on the study of the Sun: The Solar Corona and Nearest Star: The Surprising Science of Our Sun.

In The Sun, Golub and Pasachoff explore the composition, nature, and significance of the Sun. They provide an account of the history of solar astronomy and discuss the advancements made by scientists. The book covers various aspects of the Sun, including sunspots, their magnetic properties, and their connection to solar activity. The authors also delve into the composition of the Sun's interior, discussing seismic waves and ongoing nuclear fusion processes. They describe valuable insights provided by solar eclipses and observations from space. Furthermore, the book explores the Sun's radiation and solar particles and their effects on Earth. The book features visually appealing images that enhance the understanding of the Sun.

The authors take an unconventional approach by using specific images as the central focus of discussions on various solar phenomena. They emphasize the interconnectedness of scientific research and highlight the interrelationships between natural subjects. Golub and Pasachoff rely on visual representation, incorporating photographic images, visualizations, and spectra. Safety measures for observing the Sun are presented in Appendix I, while Appendices II and III respectively elaborate on observing the Sun during eclipses and from space. The book concludes with a recommended reading list, which includes both popular and technical literature, to encourage further exploration.

Reviewers have generally praised the book. The short review in Nature states that the authors present a comprehensive scientific overview of the Sun, shedding light on various solar phenomena. They describe the book as "beautifully illustrated, history-rich, and up to date."[1] A review in American Scientist describes the book as "intriguing, accessible, and technically detailed."[2]

In a detailed review in BBC Sky at Night magazine, Mark Townley notes that the book is distinguished by its use of simple language, making it easily readable for non-experts. He states that the authors convey complex concepts through relatable analogies from everyday science. The evolution of scientific understanding is presented through a historical account, departing from the mathematical equations often found in other books on the subject. The reviewer points out that the book could have been improved by providing a detailed description of safe observing techniques and that the authors overemphasize outdated and unsafe methods, such as using a smoked glass or a DVD. In summary, Townley concludes that the book is particularly suitable for beginners seeking a greater understanding of the Sun and its broader influences, and he recommends it to readers.[3]