Sun Moon Earth

June 27, 2016
Nordgren, an astronomer and associate professor of physics at the University of Redlands, lyrically relates the long, fascinating history of the human relationship with eclipses. He begins with examples of how premodern cultures understood and predicted eclipses of the Sun and Moon, pointing out that both the Mayans and the Chaldeans had charts to aid in prediction. Lunar eclipses also helped confirm that the Earth was round and were used to approximate the size of the Earth and the distance to the Sun and Moon. Nordgren sprinkles his history and scientific explanations with delightful comments and personal anecdotes that highlight his joy in his work. He pays special attention to Arthur Eddington’s 1919 experiment using an eclipse to prove Einstein’s special theory of relativity. Relating a humorous account of the 19th-century “discovery” of the hypothesized planet Vulcan, Nordgren shows how when Eddington proved Einstein correct, Vulcan vanished. That particular eclipse led to profound changes in science, language, and worldview. Nordgren also devotes a chapter to the recent hobby of eclipse chasing, in which he eagerly participates. As Nordgren prepares readers to experience their next eclipses, he presents his material clearly and treats the past with respect. Illus. Agent: Farley Chase, Chase Literary.

June 1, 2016
Solar and lunar eclipses have played an integral role in unlocking some of the biggest mysteries of the universe and are now revered for their celestial beauty; but for our ancestors, eclipses were seen as portending doom.Nordgren (Physics/Univ. of Redlands; Stars Above, Earth Below: A Guide to Astronomy in the National Parks, 2010, etc.), who has worked at the U.S. Naval Observatory, takes readers on a tour of astronomical history via mankind's observation of solar and lunar eclipses. The relative rarity and dramatic imagery of eclipses resulted in much mythmaking among ancient civilizations, but later scientists recognized the phenomena as an experimental tool that made it possible to determine the geography of the sun and confirm Einstein's theory of relativity. In language accessible for readers of all ages, the author delves into the history of mankind's cultural response to eclipses, from the charts tracking eclipse seasons in the Mayan codex to today's growing population of "coronaphiles," who travel around the world chasing total solar eclipses. Nordgren also includes many dazzling images, drawings, and photographs to illustrate scientific concepts or convey the media's extravagant coverage of scientific events. Aside from being one of the few astronomers writing nontechnical accounts of eclipses, the author's enthusiastic practicality makes him stand out: he includes a comprehensive list of all upcoming eclipses (through 2029) and where to view them, including the already much-anticipated total solar eclipse due to occur on Aug. 21, 2017, which will be visible from the United States. Yet the book's appeal is also poetic; to the author, nothing less than "the secrets of the universe have been revealed to us by shadows stretching over the light-years between stars." A charming natural history of eclipses and a guide to witnessing the awe-inspiring event yourself.

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July 1, 2016

How humans experience eclipses, writes astronomer and physicist Nordgren (Stars Above, Earth Below), lies at "the intersection of fear and calculation, mysticism and science." Nordgren explores that intersection with aplomb, weaving digestible astronomy lessons and helpful illustrations into stories of eclipse appearances throughout history--along with his own travels with fellow "eclipse chasers" around the world. Solar eclipses especially, with their momentary darkness and diamond ring effect, have long been viewed with equal parts fascination and dread. Cataloged by the ancient Egyptians and used for navigation by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, eclipses were even used by 19th-century astronomers to search for the elusive planet Vulcan before Albert Einstein's new theory of relativity rendered it nonexistent. Anticipating the "Great American Eclipse" in August 2017, the author offers tips for viewing and suggested supplies, along with a handy schedule of future events for intrepid readers. The mix of memoir and history is clumsy at times, but the author shares an infectious enthusiasm for the singular yet eerie delight of catching a glimpse of "totality." VERDICT A breezy yet substantive appreciation of a rare and beautiful celestial phenomenon, ideal for astronomy nuts and fans of popular science.--Chad Comello, Morton Grove P.L., IL

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2016
In Mark Twain's fanciful A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, time-traveling nineteenth-century engineer Hank Morgan saves himself from almost certain execution by taking wizardly credit for an imminent solar eclipse. As veteran astronomer Nordgren points out in this fascinating report on the science and folklore of eclipses, Hank's trick played on the superstitious locals of King Arthur's era might not have worked if he'd landed in a later century, since such celestial events have been known about and charted for more than a thousand years. Written in nontechnical and engaging language, Nordgren's appealing work covers the history of man's varied reactions to both solar and lunar eclipses, from the Mayan mention of these phenomena in codices to the current clique of coronaphiles who chase eclipses around the world. He includes captivating photos and useful charts of upcoming eclipses, and stargazers, amateur astronomers, and anyone looking for more information on the solar eclipse due to cross the U.S. in August 2017 will enjoy this enthusiastic and informative guide.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)