The sun recorded through history: scientific data extracted from historical documents

Today, the Sun is observed using different techniques that provide an almost instantaneous 3-D mapping of its structure. Of particular interest is the study of its variability characterised by the 11-year cycle. However, solar activity also varies on longer time scales, as has been attested through indirect methods as the number of sunspots and the records of cosmogenic isotopes, such as 14C and 10Be. The reconstruction of past solar activity may be also complemented by the study of historical accounts. In this book we will describe how these events can be used to obtain information on parameters as solar rotation (sunspot drawings), coronal structure (aurorae and total eclipses) and radius determinations (total eclipses). Updated reference on the time variation of solar activity in the last thousand years Essential resource on the evolution of solar observations Primary reference for solar amateur astronomers doing observations with simple techniques Description on the impact of astronomical phenomena on the society INDICE: Preface.- The Sun.- Naked-eye Sunspots.- Solar Drawings.- Solar Eclipses.- The Solar Diameter and the Astronomical Unit.- Terrestrial Aurorae and Solar-Terrestrial Relations.- Reconstruction of Solar Activity During the Telescopic Era.- Index.

• ISBN: 978-0-387-92789-3
• Editorial: Springer
• Encuadernacion: Cartoné
• Páginas: 405
• Fecha Publicación: 01/06/2009
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés