The Sun

The Sun is an account of the many ways in which our nearest star affects our planet, how its influence has changed over the last few centuries and millennia, and the extent to which we can predict its future impact. The book is the first to integrate astronomical, geological, climatic and social aspects of the Sun. The Sun's rays foster the formation of Vitamin D by our bodies, but it can also promote skin cancer. Besides providing the warmth and light essential to most animal and plant life, solar energy contributes substantially to global warming. The Sun is the ideal renewable energy source, but its exploitation is still bedeviled by the problems of storage and distribution. Our nearest star, in short, is a complex machine which needs to be treated with caution, and this book will equip every reader with the knowledge that is required to understand the benefits and dangers it can bring.

First book to integrate astronomical, geological, climatic and social aspects of the Sun Topical treatment of solar contribution to global warming Demonstrates how wild and variable is the so-called Solar Constant Analysis of the potential of the Sun as a major source of energy

Klappentext

This is an account of the many ways in which the Sun affects our planet, how its influence has changed over the last few centuries and millennia, and the extent to which we can predict its future impact. The book is the first to integrate astronomical, geological, climatic and social aspects of the Sun. It includes a topical treatment of solar contribution to global warming, and demonstrates how wild and variable is the so-called Solar Constant. Our nearest star is a complex machine which needs to be treated with caution, and this book will equip every reader with the knowledge that is required to understand the benefits and dangers it can bring.

Zusammenfassung
yet at the same time the ultraviolet (UV) part of the solar spectrum may damage DNA and human tissue, solar flares can destroy spacecraft, power systems and computers, and there is every indication that the Sun precipitated a mini Ice Age less than two centuries ago.

Inhalt
Looking at the Sun.- Inside the Sun.- The Variable Sun.- Sun and climate.- Sun and life.- Sun and Health.- Space Weather.- Solar Energy.