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Reflector Book Review:
Observe Eclipses
Category: Observing
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Observe Eclipses, Second Edition 
Michael D. Reynolds and
Richard A. Sweetsir
Astronomical League, 1995
$10.00, 92 pp. softcover
ISBN 1-886336-10-5
The popularity of eclipse astronomy
has not waned since the first edition of Observe Eclipses,
published in 1979. In fact, the opposite is true - eclipse-chasers
travel world wide in search of those fleeting minutes
of being in the shadow of the Moon.
The authors considered a simple revision
when asked about a second edition of Observe Eclipses.
However, so much has changed in the 15 years since the
first edition, that a complete rewrite was in order.
A chapter on historical and contemporary eclipse experiences
has been added, as well as chapters on eclipse photography
and "Electronic Eclipses" - video and CCD eclipse astronomy.
The appendices are greatly expanded, and will provide
the observer, neophyte as well as the veteran eclipse
chaser, with a wealth of information and resources.
Anecdotes from a wide array of well known eclipse chasers,
from Jay Anderson to Carter Roberts, are often quite
humorous, and bring to life the adventure of eclipse
chasing.
This second edition is rich in artwork
and illustrations. Art and astronomy go hand in hand,
and the photos, CCD images and videos contributed to
this edition represent some of the best in eclipse photography.
Especially beautiful is the center color plate section
of photographs contributed by League members, while
black and white photographs, drawings, and cartoons
jump out at the eye from every page of this lavishly
illustrated book.
The authors acknowledge the contributions
of the Astronomical League in the preparation of this
revision, especially that of Rollin Van Zandt and his
enthusiasm and support of this second edition prior
to his death. This acknowledgment is particularly poignant,
as co-author Richard Sweetsir passed away just before
the book was printed.
Observe Eclipses, Second Edition,
is the most beautiful book the A.L. has ever published.
It provides a vast range of information on eclipses,
and is a book that every League member ought to own.
Ed Flaspoehler
Astronomical League
Reviewed in the August 1995 issue.
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