Sun and How to Observe It

Jamey Jenkins has been a regular contributor to the Sunspot Program of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) since 1990 and an active observer for the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO) Solar Section since 1998. He has been Assistant Section Coordinator of that group for the last three years. He has also published numerous articles and images in Sky & Telescope and The Strolling Astronomer.

• Acknowledgements.- Introduction.- The Sun, Yesterday and Today.- Some Basics of Solar Observing.- Observing the White Light Sun.- White Light Solar Features.- Recording White Light Observations.- Observing the Monochromatic Sun.- Monochromatic Solar Features.- Solar Photography.- Where Do You Go from Here?- Appendix A: Resources.- Appendix B: Glossary of Solar-Related Terms.- Appendix C: Daily Solar Ephemeris, July 2008-January 2012.

From the reviews: "Jenkins is an American amateur observer and he has written a very interesting book full of information for the solar enthusiast. ... The author describes how a solar hydrogen-alpha filter works - very interesting to the beginner, and the old-time observer ... . it is very well illustrated, with many of the images supplied by the author himself. ... I recommend this book. ... will be a good guide to observing our nearest star." (Brian Halls, Astronomy Now, August, 2009) "The author is quite obviously an experienced solar observer and imager, contributing to the AAVSO Sunspot Programme since I990. ... This book is primarily a practical guide to observing and imaging solar features in white light ... and the K-line. There is a detailed discussion of the types of telescope suitable for solar observing as well as lenses and filters. ... I found this book enjoyable and easy to read, providing a comprehensive practical guide to solar observing in one volume." (Lyn Smith, The Observatory, Vol. 129 (1212), October, 2009)