Our knowledge of the universe has increased tremendously over the last century, and our discoveries are not over - there remain scientific mysteries that the next generation of astronomers and planetary scientists will need to solve. This volume in the Greenwood Guides to the Universe series covers the Sun, and provides readers with the most up-to-date understanding of the current state of scientific knowledge. Scientifically sound, but written with the student in mind, The Sun is an excellent first step for researching the exciting scientific discoveries of the star at the center of our solar system. The Sun discusses all areas of research surrounding the subject, including: Sunspots and the solar surface; the many faces of the solar atmosphere; the solar wind and solar storms; and the long-term climate effects on the earth's atmosphere. The volume includes a glossary and a bibliography of useful resources for learning more about the subject.

"The latest entry in the Greenwood Guides to the Universe series explores the Sun and observes that while it is ordinary in the context of a star in the universe, its proximity to the earth has generated significant advances in the study of astronomy and physics. Alexander (astrophysics, Rice U.) explores the Sun's roles as a timekeeper and mythological entity before providing scientific data on its surface, magnetism, atmosphere and climate. Appendices include interesting facts about the Sun and a glossary of terms so that novice and advanced students, as well as general readers, can appreciate the content." - SciTech Book News

"Alexander (astrophysics, Rice Univ.) writes in a manner that is accessible to amateurs. However, the depth and breadth of this title is such that it will satisfy even the most serious amateur astronomers and science enthusiasts, while at the same time providing less serious readers enough practical information about the effects of solar phenomena on everyday life. Overall, The Sun is an excellent choice for popular science libraries as well as individual astronomy collections. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels of undergraduate students and general readers." - Choice