Daystar

This book is an attempt to demystify the activities of a celestial object such as the Sun appealing to basic physics already available to high school students. Building on simple logic, the contents begin with measurements of the gross properties of the Sun like size (volume) and mass from which the average density of solar material is shown to be almost equal to water's density. Then the temperature is obtained using the colour of sunlight, and the gravitational force is discussed to indicate how the solar material is compressed at the centre of the Sun leading to heating which further causes nuclear reactions. The roles of all the forces of nature, viz. strong, weak, electromagnetic and gravitation are shown in the construction of the Sun. The generation of magnetic fields by solar rotation and the eruptions of solar atmospheric material are also included.

To further demystify the methods of obtaining all such facts about the Sun, a chapter is solely devoted to the different kinds of solar telescopes operating at different wavelengths and also at different locations ranging from outer space to deep underground, where solar neutrino flux is measured. The entire discussion is interspersed with historical encounters between giants of science to show the human face of scientific research.

Contents: IntroductionVital StatisticsThe Anatomy of the SunBlemishes on the SunThe Sphere of InfluenceTools of the Trade
Readership: Graduate students, researchers and academics interested in solar astronomy.
Keywords:Sun;Solar Physics;Sun-Earth Connection;Solar TelescopesReview:Key Features:Includes both theoretical and experimental aspects with equal clarityBrief but comprehensive contents, providing a quick overview of the subjectAppeals to non-specialists interested in logically building up topics based on first principles