17 replies to this topic

[Scott Beith]

Has anyone read this one and what were your impressions?
I just picked it up and I haven't had a chance to dig into it.

[edwincjones]

I think it is okay, but not great.

Ed Jones

[Scott Beith]

Thanks Ed.
I starting picking through it last night.
Not much on the photos...

[Hillbilly_Gazer]

The title tickles me for some reason. I sort of imagine the book containing topics like:

Locating the sun in the sky.

How to avoid confusing the sun with other daytime objects in the sky.

The sun: NOT a chariot pulled by fiery steeds.

The moon: NOT the sun conserving energy at night because it's dark and most people are indoors anyway.

Why spreading sunblock on your optics should not be a replacement for a solar filter.

[Dan Luna]

LOL - you might read it but you wouldn't want to be seen carrying a copy.

[Scott Beith]

My daughter has already asked the obvious question "Does this mean you are an idiot?" I responded with "Nope, it means you are grounded". She suddenly saw me as "brilliant".

[wilash]

Tell her she is only an idiot if she cannot pass the sliding-door test.

[desertstars]

With any luck the "Dummies" series will put one out on the sun (assuming they haven't already). The "For Idiots," books are an attempt by a competing publisher to cash in on a market niche created by the "Dummies" and so far I've found the latter to be far superior. I always laugh when I see the "Idiots" books out the bookstore shelf. A title like Wine for Dummies (an excellent intro to that subject by the way) or Astronomy for Dummies sounds tongue-in-cheek silly. "The Complete Idiot's Guide... " always seemed a bit insulting to me.

[Scott Beith]

Tom,
It takes more than that to insult me...
After 6 years in the Corps, it takes a lot to get through my wrinkled hide...

I am trying to pick out 3-4 more Solar books to help with my learning curve.

[desertstars]

That seems to be a trait of those who can wear a kilt...

[wilash]

Scott, you may think insults don't affect you, but look, you lost all your hair!

Have you seen the Cambridge Encyclopedia of the Sun. It is more of a text book than an encyclopedia with entries. It covers much more than dear old Sol. Lots of pictures too. The math is also explained in separate boxes so you can play with it of ignore it. Very good glossary and index. Best of all, kids won't dis you for having it. Except maybe for being an egg head.

[Victor Kennedy]

Here's Astronomy for Dummies.

[desertstars]

Here's Astronomy for Dummies.

Uh, well, no. Not quite...

[wilash]

Tom W., how did you restrain yourself with Victor's post.

[Scott Beith]

Will,
Thanks !!!

Victor,
Seek help - FAST !!!

Tom,
Excellent job keeping it together !!!

[desertstars]

Tom W., how did you restrain yourself with Victor's post.

An outrageous act of willpower. And it hurt...

[ArizonaScott]

I am trying to pick out 3-4 more Solar books to help with my learning curve.

Scott- You might want to try Solar Observing Techniques by Chris Kitchin. Price is a little high at $35 (normal for books published by Springer-Verlag) but I picked up a copy for $10 at Half Price Books. Well worth it at that price. Very informative, and covers all aspects of solar observing and the necessary equipment for amateurs.

[Scott Beith]

Thanks Scott. That is actually one of the books I plan to acquire.