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The Sun's Heartbeat: And Other Stories from the Life of the Star That Powers Our Planet

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Sun's Heartbeat: And Other Stories from the Life of the Star That Powers Our Planet
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Bob Berman
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:320
Dimensions(mm): Height 209,Width 141
Category/GenrePopular science
Solar system
ISBN/Barcode 9780316090995
ClassificationsDewey:523.7
Audience
Professional & Vocational

Publishing Details

Publisher Little, Brown & Company
Imprint Back Bay Books
Publication Date 17 July 2012
Publication Country United States

Description

The beating heart of the sun is the very pulse of life on earth. And from the ancients who plotted its path at Stonehenge to the modern scientists who unraveled the nuclear fusion reaction that turns mass into energy, humankind has sought to solve its mysteries. In this lively biography of the sun, Bob Berman ranges from its stellar birth to its spectacular future death with a focus on the wondrous and enthralling and on the heartbreaking sacrifice, laughable errors, egotistical battles and brilliant inspirations of the people who have tried to understand its power. What, exactly, are the ghostly streaks of light astronauts see - but can't photograph - when they're in space? Why is it impossible for two people to see the exact same rainbow? Why are scientists beginning to think that the sun is safer than sunscreen? And how does the fluctuation of sunspots - and its heartbeat - affect everything from satellite communications to wheat production across the globe? Peppered with mind-blowing facts and memorable anecdotes about spectral curiosities - the recently-discovered 'second sun' that lurks beneath the solar surface, the eerie majesty of a total solar eclipse - THE SUN'S HEARTBEAT offers a robust and entertaining narrative of how the Sun has shaped humanity and our understanding of the universe around us.

Author Biography

Bob Berman, one of America's top astronomy writers, wrote the popular Night Watchman column for Discover for seventeen years. He is currently a columnist for Astronomy, a host on NPR's Northeast Public Radio and the science editor of Old Farmer's Almanac. He lives in Willow, New York.