Overview

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.

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9780470092965

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Reviews

...Reading this...immensely entertaining work of pop science makes us aware of ...the power of the sun... (The Herald - Glasgow, 8th January 2005) ...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, 29th January 2005) ...a staggering range of content...offering a plethora of facts and a fascinating read... (Good Book Guide, February 2005) ...intelligent, safety-goggles-on look at that without-which star that's intrigued humankind since day one...wide-ranging and excellent. (Insight - Brighton, March 2005) ...the birth, life, and death of the Sun are carefully considered, exactly as you would expect in any excellent biography. Which is exactly what this book is... (The Observatory, August 05) ...a shining example of the way in which main sequence stars such as ours begin, spend, and end their sunny days... (The Age, Sept 05) ...well-written and enjoyable... (Times Educational Supplement, November 4th 05) ...well written and enjoyable...a useful addition to any teacher's fountain of knowledge... (Times Educational Supplement - Scotland, 4th November 2005)

Moving some ninety million miles on from his biography of the moon, the author turns his attention to the nearest star, our sun. There is history here and tales of those observing the sun long before it was known what it was or how it worked. But this is only part of the book, which contains some enthralling science, first the birth of the sun and lastly something of its final fate. In between there is a staggering range of content. It is a real miscellany too: the sun's effect on the weather, its age, the nature of sunspots, global warming, sun sailing as a possible form of space flight; the danger to communications on Earth when massive solar flares disrupt the atmosphere, and more. All this flows well, presents a plethora of enthralling facts, and creates a fascinating read for anyone interested in the star that makes all our lives possible (Kirkus UK)

Author Information

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. Prior to joining the BBC he was a space scientist and astronomer at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory, University College London, and at the world famous Jodrell Bank radio observatory. He has won two Glaxo science writing awards and five European Netmedia awards, including the prestigious European Journalist of the Year. He is a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a past president of the Society for Popular Astronomy. His first book, The Moon: A biography was published by Headline in 2001.

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