The Sun

1. Characteristics of the Sun.- 1.1 Distance.- 1.2 Mass.- 1.3 Radius.- 1.4 Luminosity.- 1.5 Spectral Energy Distribution.- 1.6 Bibliographical Notes.- 2. Internal Structure.- 2.1 Construction of a Model.- 2.2 Age and Pre-Main-Sequence Evolution.- 2.3 Model Ingredients.- 2.4 Results for a Standard Solar Model.- 2.5 Non-Standard Models.- 2.6 Bibliographical Notes.- 3. Tools for Solar Observation.- 3.1 Limitations.- 3.2 High-Resolution Telescopes.- 3.3 Spectrographs and Spectrometers.- 3.4 Filters and Monochromators.- 3.5 Polarimetry.- 3.6 Special-Purpose Instruments.- 3.7 Bibliographical Notes.- 4. The Atmosphere.- 4.1 Radiative Transfer - Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium.- 4.2 Radiative Transfer - Statistical Equilibrium.- 4.3 Atmospheric Models.- 4.4 The Chemical Composition of the Sun.- 4.5 Bibliographical Notes.- 5. Oscillations.- 5.1 Observations.- 5.2 Linear Adiabatic Oscillations of a Non-Rotating Sun.- 5.3 Helioseismology.- 5.4 Excitation and Damping.- 5.5 Bibliographical Notes.-6. Convection.- 6.1 Stability.- 6.2 Mixing-Length Theory.- 6.3 Granulation.- 6.4 Mesogranulation.- 6.5 Supergranulation.- 6.6 Giant Cells.- 6.7 Bibliographical Notes.- 7. Rotation.- 7.1 Axis of Rotation.- 7.2 Oblateness.- 7.3 Rotational History.- 7.4 The Angular Velocity of the Sun.- 7.5 Models of a Rotating Convection Zone.- 7.6 Bibliographical Notes.- 8. Magnetism.- 8.1 Fields and Conducting Matter.- 8.2 Flux Tubes.- 8.3 Sunspots.- 8.4 The Solar Cycle.- 8.5 Bibliographical Notes.- 9. Chromosphere, Corona, and Solar Wind.- 9.1 Empirical Facts.- 9.2 Consequences of High Temperature.- 9.3 The Magnetic Field in the Outer Atmosphere.- 9.4 The Energy Balance.- 9.5 Explosive Events.- 9.6 Bibliographical Notes.- List of Symbols.- References.

From the reviews:

"This is the definitive book on the physics of the sun, and if that's your interest, then I can thoroughly recommend it." -- C.R. Kitchin, Astronomy Now, June 2003

"This is an excellent introduction to the whole of Solar physics at a consistent level of mathematics and assumed physics background. It would be suitable as a reference for some advance undergraduate courses and should be compulsory reading for postgraduate students studying the Sun. It could also be read with interest by anyone with a physics background wishing to learn more detail about the Sun than is available online or through general astrophysics books." -- International Journal of Astrobiology, 2/1, 2003

"The book from the Springer Astronomy and Astrophysics Library Series gives an introduction to the physics of the Sun. [...] From an amateur solar observer's perspective, there are many parts of the book which are of interest. [...] This book has been well produced with plenty of diagrams and photographs (with a view in colour) throughout." -- The Astronomer, 39/465, 2003

"This must-have book is of great value to every Sun specialist as well to students or graduates. Nearly each sub-chapter contains a small number of problems linked to the previous paragraphs, and this invitation to become a more active reader must be encouraged." -- Physicalia 2005, 57, page 211-212

From the reviews of the second edition:

"This book provides a solid and extremely readable introduction to the physics and the phenomenology of the solar interior and lower atmosphere ... . its status as a classic is well deserved. It is a delight to read, and I can recommend it strongly ... . the book is well presented and easy to use. It is amply and appropriately illustrated ... . The author conveniently includes bibliographic notes ... . will continue to be a basic reference text ... ." -- Dr. L. Fletcher, Contemporary Physics, Vol. 46 (4), 2005

"This is a serious introduction to solar

From the reviews:

"This is the definitive book on the physics of the sun, and if that's your interest, then I can thoroughly recommend it." (C.R. Kitchin, Astronomy Now, June 2003)

"This is an excellent introduction to the whole of Solar physics at a consistent level of mathematics and assumed physics background. It would be suitable as a reference for some advance undergraduate courses and should be compulsory reading for postgraduate students studying the Sun. It could also be read with interest by anyone with a physics background wishing to learn more detail about the Sun than is available online or through general astrophysics books." (International Journal of Astrobiology, 2/1, 2003)

"The book from the Springer Astronomy and Astrophysics Library Series gives an introduction to the physics of the Sun. [...] From an amateur solar observer's perspective, there are many parts of the book which are of interest. [...] This book has been well produced with plenty of diagrams and photographs (with a view in colour) throughout." (The Astronomer, 39/465, 2003)

"This must-have book is of great value to every Sun specialist as well to students or graduates. Nearly each sub-chapter contains a small number of problems linked to the previous paragraphs, and this invitation to become a more active reader must be encouraged." (Physicalia 2005, 57, page 211-212)

From the reviews of the second edition:



"This book provides a solid and extremely readable introduction to the physics and the phenomenology of the solar interior and lower atmosphere ... . its status as a classic is well deserved. It is a delight to read, and I can recommend it strongly ... . the book is well presented and easy to use. It is amply and appropriately illustrated ... . The author conveniently includes bibliographic notes ... . will continue to be a basic reference text ... ." (Dr. L. Fletcher, Contemporary Physics, Vol. 46 (4), 2005)