Review by Choice Review
The last decade has seen dramatic progress in understanding many of the important aspects of solar physics. Much of this is a consequence of a new generation of space observatories. Lang (Tufts Univ.) has extensively revised the original edition of this book (1st ed., CH, Mar'01, 38-3874) to incorporate these new data and the advances in theoretical understanding they have spawned. Introductory chapters on spacecraft missions and a historical perspective are followed by five chapters that each focus on a principal solar feature and incorporate the most recent results. The topics include the interior structure of the sun, the heating of the solar chromosphere and corona, the nature of the major solar eruptions known as coronal mass ejections, and the influence that both the solar wind and the temporal solar energy releases have on the atmosphere of the Earth. The presentation is at a level suitable for the informed layperson, with the more advanced concepts interspersed in brief technical summaries. Of inestimable value to both students and professionals is a comprehensive bibliography containing more than 2,500 references to the scientific literature. This revised edition should be included in every scientific library. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Academic, professional, and general audiences, all levels. D. E. Hogg emeritus, National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
