Total Eclipses of the Sun

Accessible to the non-scientific reader, this guide explains what causes a total eclipse and how eclipses provide a valuable understanding of both celestial and terrestrial phenomena. This edition includes a new chapter on the Hawaiian eclipse of July 11, 1991.

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Eclipses have captured attention and sparked curiosity about the cosmos since the first appearance of humankind. Having been blamed for everything from natural disasters to the fall of kings, they are now invaluable tools for understanding many celestial as well as terrestrial phenomena. This clear, easy-to-understand guide explains what causes total eclipses and how they can be used in experiments to examine everything from the dust between the planets to general relativity. A new chapter has been added on the eclipse of July 11, 1991 (the great Hawaiian eclipse).

Originally published in 1995.

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