Customer Reviews

Sentinels of the Sun: Forecasting Space Weather

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"Sentinels of the Sun: Forecasting Space Weather" is a readable and informative book that vastly increases the non-astronomers knowledge of the history and nature of space weather. As a regular reader of the New York Times Science section, I find that this book, by successful first-time authors, Barbara Poppe and Kristin Jorden, appeals to a similar audience--those interested, but not expert, in specific areas of science and its practical applications. Illustrated with a variety of interesting photos and graphics, "Sentinels of the Sun" fully engages its readers. I commend it to fellow Amazon-ites.

Yes, Virginia, there is weather in space. Not, of course, weather as we know it, but the sun puts out all kinds of radiation besides the visible light that makes day time. Of particular concern to the space-weather forecasters is measuring and predicting the radiation that would affect communications on earth or which might damage the instruments aboard satellites.

In October 2003 a major unpredicted solar storm occurred which caused hundreds of millions of dollars worth of satellites to stop working, permanently. They are now just floating space junk. Closer to home, airlines had to re-route flights (costing up to $100K per flight), electric power grids failed, radio communications were affected, homing pigeons get lost, and more.

This book summarizes the development of space weather analysis and forecasting over the past fifty years. It is part history, part science, part explanation of how it affects us. This is an interesting book on a subject that most of us have never heard of.

SENTINELS OF THE SUN: FORECASTING SPACE WEATHER is for any collection strong in either astronomy or weather science - which will likely mean college-level, but also some public library holdings. General-interest readers will find most accessible this survey of space weather forecasting history and science, which surveys the idea and nature of space weather and the technology which seeks to predict it. An outstanding guide, SENTINELS OF THE SUN includes color charts, photos, and black and white shots and considers both civilian and military applications of space weather science.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch