Secrets of the Aurora Borealis (Alaska Geographic) (Paperback)

~ Syun-Ichi Akasofu (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

! ! ! Very Good. -- Today's Books,

"Secrets of the Aurora Borealis" is a crucial guide book for dedicated aurora-watchers and casual sky-gazers alike. -- Wrangell St. Elias News, September and October 2002

An amazing presentation …highly recommended for anyone who has ever marveled and wondered about this legendary northern phenomenon. -- Midwest Book Review, July 11, 2002

The photographs of these colorful bands and curtains of light are alone worth the price of the book. -- The Bloomsbury Review, July/August 2002

…a must for anyone who has ever braved crisp winter temperatures to stand outside in awe of the dancing lights. -- Alaska Star, April 25, 2002

Product Description

The dramatic celestial fire of the aurora borealis has intrigued mankind since ancient times. "Secrets of the Aurora Borealis" investigates the science and history behind the magic light of the aurora offering a comprehensive look into one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena.

Author S.-I. Akasofu, director of the International Arctic Research Center, is a world-renowned aurora expert and has studied the northern lights since 1958. "In Secrets of the Aurora Borealis", Dr. Akasofu explains the solar-driven electromagnetic forces that produce the phenomenon, concisely sums up the state of auroral science today, and ponders aspects of the aurora still not understood.

"Secrets of the Aurora Borealis" tracks the evolution of auroral knowledge and discusses the speculation and investigations of scientists and philosophers from Ben Franklin and comet discoverer Edmond Halley to contemporary researchers at the forefront of cosmic science.

This book also presents indigenous peoples’ fearful and poetic reactions to the lights and early northern explorers’ awe-inspired descriptions.

Photographs of the most magnificent and enchanting occurrences of the northern lights illustrate "Secrets of the Aurora Borealis" along with woodcuts that depict the wonder of our ancestors. Explanatory diagrams, charts, and satellite photographs reveal the complex physics behind the dazzling curtains of light.

"Secrets of the Aurora Borealis" lists resources for further inquiry and includes a glossary to explain the technical language of auroral studies and a convenient index.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Alaska Geographic Society (June 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566610583
• ISBN-13: 978-1566610582
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,664,148 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing presentation intended for a general audience, July 11, 2002

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Vividly illustrated with spectacular color photography throughout, Secrets Of The Aurora Borealis by Syun-Ichi Akasofu (Director of the International Arctic Research Center, Fairbanks, Alaska) is an informative and accessible science-based introduction to the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights,. From basic facts about what causes the Aurora Borealis to how it has been perceived throughout history, Secrets Of The Aurora Borealis is an amazing presentation intended for a general audience and is highly recommended for anyone who has ever marveled and wondered about this legendary northern phenomena.