The Sun

Discover hidden secrets about the Sun, our local star, and learn about eclipses and the Northern Lights

The Sun is incredibly dynamic and shrouded in mystery, despite its apparent unchanging appearance in our daytime sky. In this fascinating guide, you will explore the history, science and modern observations that uncover the mysteries of the Sun.

From ancient astronomers who hailed the Sun as a deity, to new age space exploration, the way we observe the Sun has come a long way. Humanity’s scientific journey to understand the Sun has included many intriguing and humorous tales from over the centuries. In today’s age, it is far easier to become a sun observer.

• Learn how our knowledge of the Sun has evolved over centuries

• Understand the basic physics behind sunspots and solar flares

• Wonder at the life and death of stars like the Sun

• Discover how solar activity affects us here on Earth, what are solar weather and solar radiation?

• Solar and lunar eclipses: why, where and when do these occur?

• Access tools and methods to observe the Sun safely from your own back garden

• Learn about cutting-edge space observations of the Sun and how to access these images

• Illustrated with key imagery from solar telescopes, NASA and ESA

Reviews

French provides a practical introduction and the necessary tools required to access and understand a multitude of high-resolution solar observations […], and how to safely observe the Sun from the comfort of your own home. Dr. Stephanie Yardley, BBC Sky at Night Magazine

There is an army of solar observers, both professional and amateur, who study the Sun and if you’d like to join their ranks then Ryan French’s The Sun is a good place to start. Astronomy Now

About the author

Dr. Ryan French is a solar physicist, science communicator and author. He is pursuing the mysteries of the Sun at the forefront of modern solar physics research, using cutting edge telescopes on the ground and in space. His research takes him all over the world, collaborating with the global community of solar physicists. Ryan also works to share the wonders of the Sun and space with the public, through social media, museums and observatories, and on television and radio. He is also an avid hiker, rock climber, and skier, perhaps because the mountains take him closer to the Sun. Keep up to date with Ryan's other projects at www.ryanjfrench.com