Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 02/01/2020 This latest entry in the much-honored Scientists in the Field series invites readers to follow solar physicist Shadia Habbal and her team of observers studying the sun’s coronal atmosphere during solar eclipses. As said eclipses only occur once every 18 months or so for only a few minutes, each observation requires an unusual mix of long-range planning, travel to generally remote locales, and very careful setup of complex equipment for moments of frantic action—all of which can easily go for naught. With particular reference to the “Great American Eclipse” of August 2017 but also mentions of earlier ones, Loomis describes the team’s labors in a suspenseful way and explains, in simple language, resulting discoveries. Cowan adds big, bright photos of casually clad researchers at work, as well as dramatic shots of the solar corona itself. A world map showing the paths of near-future eclipses should be of great interest to young sky watchers—particularly in the wake of Habbal’s reminder that total eclipses are the one time viewers can look at the sun with naked eyes. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.