Nearest Star by Leon Golub and Jay Pasachoff, $29.95, Harvard, ISBN
0674004671
THE subtitle of Nearest Star is The surprising science of our
Sun. And it is surprising: our knowledge of this normal dwarf star that
happens to be all-important to life on Earth is very far from complete. Many
puzzles remain, even if we know far more now than we did a few years ago, before
data from spacecraft became available. In any case, Leon Golub and Jay Pasachoff
are splendid guides to the subject, as both are highly distinguished American
astronomers who have paid special attention to the Sun.
Nearest Star is a comprehensive survey, dealing with all aspects of
solar research. It is well written and well illustrated, and there is a good
glossary and a useful bibliography. It is probably not a book for the complete
beginner, or for the amateur observer using modest equipment; it is not intended
to be so. If, however, you are looking for a reliable, up-to-date and very
readable account of modern solar science, with special emphasis on Earth-Sun
relationships, then this is one for you.
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