Michael E. Bakich is a Senior Editor and Photo Editor for Astronomy magazine. He earned a B.S. in Astronomy from the Ohio State University and an M.A. in Planetarium Education from Michigan State University, and has written and produced dozens of planetarium programs. He serves on the American Astronomical Society Steering Committee for the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse. Previously Springer published his book 1,001 Celestial Wonders to See Before You Die (2010).

• Introduction.- Total Solar eclipse.- Illustrated Eclipse Glossary.- First Look.- 25 frequently Answered Questions.- Observing the Sun Safely.- How NOT to Observe the Sun.- Rehearsing for the Eclipse.- Cool Products for a Hot Sun.- What Will You See?.- Earthly Effects.- Picking the Right Equipment.- Photographing the Eclipse.- Projects for Observing the Sun and the Eclipse.- Observing Outside the Center Line.- Planning for Eclipse Day.- Eclipse Tours.- Weather Predictions.- 20 Hot Spots for Viewing.- Appendices.- Index.

"Bakich, a senior editor of Astronomy magazine, describes the underlying science, as well as the cultural aspects of eclipses. He provides guidelines for safe observing, choosing equipment ... and ideas for activities beyond just enjoying the aesthetic experience. ... High quality paper and copious illustrations and photographs greatly enhance this guide, as do the appendixes and index. ... Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers." (M.-K. Hemenway, Choice, Vol. 54 (5), January, 2017)