Eclipse: The Celestial Phenomenon That Changed the Course of History - Hardcover

In this sweeping saga of science and civilization, astronomer Duncan Steel explains everything you thought you could ever learn about eclipses, and then some. For eclipses occur not only within the sun-earth-moon system, but also on Jupiter, Saturn, and many other planets; in double-star systems; even between galaxies and quasars.

Much more than just a heavenly curiosity, eclipses constitute a laboratory for the vast, mysterious universe. In 1919, an eclipse of the sun was used to prove a key element of Einstein’s theory of general relativity once and for all, catapulting the scientist into the international spotlight. Today, astronomers are using the Hubble Space Telescope and vast arrays of radio telescopes to determine how the images of distant quasars are distorted and amplified through “gravitational lensing” by intervening galaxies.

Through fascinating stories of history and science, and almost 100 beautiful illustrations, eclipses are revealed as unique opportunities to study the science of our universe and the perplexing effects of celestial events on human psychology.

For the enterprising reader or amateur astronomer, Eclipse includes an appendix that will show you how calculate and predict future eclipses of all kinds.

“...enthralling ... gripping ... an excellent overview of the history and astronomy of the phenomenon.” New Scientist (London)

“No one should end their life’s journey without experiencing a total eclipse of the Sun, nature’s most beautiful yet fearsome gift. Many other bodies in the universe—from tiny minor planets to giant clusters of galaxies—also eclipse and are eclipsed. These rare happenings have a rich history, human as well as scientific, here nicely compiled by a gifted astronomer and science writer.” Leif J. Robinson Editor Emeritus, Sky & Telescope.

“Beginning with an unusual view of the most famous eclipse of all time, Steele entertains with fascinating facts, anecdotes and trivia about one of Nature's most awesome spectacles.” Gerrit L. Verschuur Author of Impact: The Threat of Comets and Asteroids and Hidden Attraction: The History and Mystery of Magnetism

“...casts a wonderful light on the Earth-darkening event.” Daily Telegraph (London)

“Total solar eclipses are the most awe-inspiring celestial phenomena that occur, and Duncan Steel tells us how and why in his book Eclipse. The human interest stories of past eclipses mix with eclipse science to show readers why they should travel thousands of miles for the thrill of eclipses and what past scientists and tourists have found and experienced.” Jay M. Pasachoff Field Memorial Professor of Astronomy, Williams College and Chair of the Working Group on Solar Eclipses of the International Astronomical Union

Who'd have imagined that eclipses--those mere wandering shadows--could lead us on such an enthralling tour of cultural as well as scientific history? Steel's deft tracing of the choreography of our earth, sun, and moon lets us behold this awe-inspiring dance "with the eye of the mind." Dennis R. Danielson Editor of The Book of the Cosmos