Totality: Eclipses of the Sun

I get ready for next eclipse April 8, 2024.

This book is now 15 years old. Some of the material on photography is hopelessly out of date because of the electronics revolution in photography. There is, however, copious material available on proper exposures for SLR cameras with a variety of zoom lenses. The ideas for photography are also quite good and I suspect timeless. The early chapters give an excellent description on the aspects of celestial mechanics which apply to eclipses of the sun (book does not deal with lunar eclipses although they are mentioned in the mechanics chapters). I have not yet finished the book and am still looking forward to the chapter on the life of one of the eclipse cycles. I purchased another book on eclipses a few years ago. I liked that one. I like this one better. I am hoping to see the 2017 eclipse which will be visible across the central United States. I will be reading several more books to prepare.

This is a thorough review of what we know about eclipses of the Sun: how they occur, how they are predicted, and what we have learned about the Sun--and the universe--from them. There is detailed information on how to observe eclipses and how to photograph them. The distinguished authors provide detailed information about all upcoming total eclipses through 2017, for those who may wish to travel to see one. The language is accessible to general readers; you do not need a science degree, or even a science major, to understand this readable book.

Well written and organized. Uuseful tables, guidelines and advice on photography and tips on visual observation.

chocked full of info. Lots of duplication with Totality: The Great American Eclipses of 2017 and 2024. But I don't mind.

It really added to my experience of the total Eclipse in 2017!

Even if you have other eclipse books at home, TOTALITY provides fresh information about this fascinating phenomenon. This book describes in clear language what makes a total solar eclipse so special. The authors explanation of the science behind eclipses helps to demystify the eclipse, while the chapter devoted to impressions from a group of dedicated eclipse chasers, gives a sense of the magic of a total solar eclipse. There are plenty of drawings and photographs complement the writing, with an excellent set of references in the appendix. Highly recommended, Jerry Levy ....

This is the third edition of THE bible on total solar eclipses. August 2017 brings a total solar eclipse to the US, and charts are in this.

This may be viewed as a "specialists" book BUT if you ever wonder about one of natures most awesome (30 seconds to 7 minutes) phenomena then this is THE book covering the background , history , future of Solar eclipses ( partial and total) , how to view , photograph and video them - all from an educated layman cum amateur astronomer perspective. For the dedicated there are plenty of original referencesI saw the 2012 Total Eclipse from a ship in the middle of the South Pacific on the 13/14th ( depending on which side of the dateline you were) NovemberI wish I had seen this book before the experience but have captured photos / videos - none of which come close to the real physical experience .No wonder the ancients fell on their knees in fear . Animal and birds likewise are puzzled .It is said that in Africa that during a total Eclipse ,the hippopotami come out of the river to feed in the dark then stop puzzled as the light returns and run back.Recommended to those who wnat to know what Eclipse fever is about , driving people to travel thousands of miles for a few short minutes of a spectacle which is oh so rare and often is hidden by clouds with inclement weather - as happened in 1999 ( the last great UK Total Eclipse ) to most of the experts in Cornwall.Read and enjoy - especially if you can get a copy at a the knock down price as I did.

I first bought books about solar eclipses so I could book my holiday where I could stand in the shadow of the moon something everybody should do. I already have books on solar and lunar eclipses and each focus on different aspects of eclipses this book fortunately explains all you need to know about solar and lunar eclipses from eclipse years to saros (eclipse families) to wavy lines on the ground and distorting shadows you may not see all these strange effects or even look for them during a eclipse and I have experinced 6 solar eclipses from Cornwall to Shanghi to Cairns and Turkey even Benidrom. The book is a very good read it shows how eclipses are calculated and how different cultures deal with eclipses and modern day advice if your thinking of traveling to an eclipse . thank you for reading this review and please do not look directly at the sun Karl

Excellent. Well deserved 5 stars. Very interesting read, excellent research. Historical accounts. The emotions and observations of past observers. How To photograph. Technical data. In one word: complete.

... a most interesting book for eclipse chasers.

Probably the definitive work on photographing eclipses.