Dive into the Eclipse: Top Books to Illuminate the 2024 Solar Phenomenon
Something extraordinary is on the celestial horizon, igniting curiosity across the globe – a total eclipse. Scheduled to travel through North America on April 8, this rare event will be on full display as it journeys over Mexico, the United States and Canada. With anticipation, many of us find ourselves increasingly curious by the mysteries of the solar system. So, what exactly is a solar eclipse? How can we safely observe this awe-inspiring phenomenon? And what can we expect to witness during this cosmic spectacle?
To shed light on these questions, we’ve turned to Patrick Motl, an astronomer, professor of physics, and associate dean for the School of Sciences at Indiana University Kokomo. Motl, with his wealth of knowledge and experience in public education about eclipses, has provided us with his top four book recommendations tailored for adults eager to delve deeper into the wonders of the solar eclipse.
‘The Great 2024 Eclipse Guide by Sky and Telescope’
“This is a comprehensive guide for the April 8 total solar eclipse by Sky and Telescope magazine. Both professional and amateur astronomers have benefited greatly from the high-quality resources that Sky and Telescope have produced for decades.”
‘Field Guide to the 2023 and 2024 Solar Eclipses’
By Michael Zeiler and Michael E. Bakich
“This spiral-bound field guide includes rich eclipse maps for both the annular eclipse in October 2023 and the April 8th total solar eclipse.”
‘Sun Moon Earth: The History of Solar Eclipses from Omens of Doom to Einstein and Exoplanets’
By Tyler Nordgren
“This quick-reading book was written for the 2017 total solar eclipse but is a great read today as well. The book briefly presents the history and science of eclipses and then dives into more recent connections between eclipses and science.”
‘Eclipse’
By Duncan Steel
“This is my favorite book to turn to for eclipse topics. The presentation of historical eclipses and the connections to human society and culture are extensively developed.”
As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the 2024 total solar eclipse, these recommended reads are a great resource for answer your questions. So, grab a copy, prepare your viewing instruments, and get ready to witness the spectacle of a lifetime as the moon casts its shadow across the face of the sun!
