Synopses & Reviews
In
The Sun, David Whitehouse takes us on a journey to the heart of our local star and beyond, relating how it was born, the many ways it influences life on Earth and how it will die. He recounts the many myths surrounding the Sun and the fascinating stories of scientists throughout history who have attempted to discover its secrets – occasionally at the price of their lives.
The Sun explores the role of the sun for those on Earth, from the earliest civilizations that worshipped it, through its emulation in art and literature to the present day. He describes the inferno at its core, the magnetic chaos of its surface and the furthest reaches of its atmosphere that stretches beyond the planets out into the galaxy. Within our lifetime he considers that changes in the sun will become noticeable, an issue that we ignore at our peril.
Finally, David Whitehouse speculates on the future of life on Earth with a Sun that must ultimately turn into a red giant. From its birth in a cloud of gas and dust, its long lifetime nurturing life on our own planet, to its death as a cosmic cinder, this is our Sun’s story.
Review
"Whitehouse appears to have explored every possible avenue, and I can only guess at the enormous amount of research this must have required." New Scientist
Review
"Reading this...immensely entertaining work of pop science makes us aware of...the power of the sun." The Herald, Glasgow
Review
"...intelligent safety-goggles-on look at [a] star that's intrigued humankind since day one...wide-ranging and excellent." Insight
Synopsis
The Sun is the Rosetta Stone of the Universe; understand it and you understand almost everything. It sustains life on Earth and shapes our understanding of ourselves. It is the most powerful and awe-inspiring phenomenon we will ever encounter. We have deified it, created myths to understand it and celebrated it in music and art.
In this fascinating and ground-breaking account, David Whitehouse skilfully interweaves science, philosophy, religion, history and art to form a comprehensive biography of our nearest star, the Sun.
Synopsis
This is a comprehensive biography of the sun, written by leading BBC journalist David Whitehouse. Since man first became conscious he has sought to understand the nature of the sun; he has worshipped it, been inspired to produce great art about it, researched it and even died for it. Understanding the nature of the sun is key to understanding our universe and to life on earth. Whitehouse skilfully weaves his extraordinary scientific knowledge with history, philosophy, archaeology and religion to produce this fascinating account of the life and future of the sun.
About the Author
Dr. David Whitehouse is a Science Correspondent for the BBC and Science Editor of BBC News Online. He broadcasts regularly on TV and radio and also writes regularly for leading newspapers and magazines. He has also presented a science series on BBC TV.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements.
1. Bits of a star gone wrong.
2. The Goldilocks star.
3. The silken threads of space.
4. The shape of truth.
5. The month of Mercedonius.
6. The Hill of the Witch.
7. The Dethronement of God.
8. A hole in the sky.
9. The Stourbridge Prism.
10. The fire at Mannheim.
11. Sunlight robbery.
12. Rosa Ursina.
13. The Devil’s Jumps.
14. The Sun King.
15. A single ray of light.
16. Go find a hotter place.
17. White fire laden.
18. Quebec.
19. Coalbrookdale by Night.
20. 'Our summers are no summers'.
21. Shelter from the storm.
22. The Rescue of Solar Max.
23. Sunjammer.
24. Journey from the heart of the Sun.
25. Alpha Omega.
26. Amongst the stars.
27. End of days.
28. The wind from the sun.
29. Coda – the Eye of God.
Bibliography.
Index.