The Sun Kings: The Unexpected Tragedy of Richard Carrington and the Tale of How Modern Astronomy Began

by Stuart Clark (Author)

30 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0691126609

ISBN-10: 0691126607

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In September of 1859, the entire Earth was engulfed in a gigantic cloud of seething gas, and a blood-red aurora erupted across the planet from the poles to the tropics. Around the world, telegraph systems crashed, machines burst into flames, and electric shocks rendered operators unconscious. Compasses and other sensitive instruments reeled as if struck by a massive magnetic fist. For the first time, people began to suspect that the Earth was not isolated from the rest of the universe. However, nobody knew what could have released such strange forces upon the Earth--nobody, that is, except the amateur English astronomer Richard Carrington.

In this riveting account, Stuart Clark tells for the first time the full story behind Carrington's observations of a mysterious explosion on the surface of the Sun and how his brilliant insight--that the Sun's magnetism directly influences the Earth--helped to usher in the modern era of astronomy. Clark vividly brings to life the scientists who roundly rejected the significance of Carrington's discovery of solar flares, as well as those who took up his struggle to prove the notion that the Earth could be touched by influences from space. Clark also reveals new details about the sordid scandal that destroyed Carrington's reputation and led him from the highest echelons of science to the very lowest reaches of love, villainy, and revenge.

The Sun Kings transports us back to Victorian England, into the very heart of the great nineteenth-century scientific controversy about the Sun's hidden influence over our planet.

The Sun Kings: The Unexpected Tragedy of Richard Carrington and the Tale of How Modern Astronomy Began

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this well-researched and very well-written book, Clark tells the embattled, little-known history of modern astronomy, a spry tale full of intrigue, jealousy, spite, dedication and perseverance. Peopled with a large, colorful cast, author and editor Clark (Journey to the Stars) delivers a tale rich in conflict and passion, beginning with William Herschel, an 18th century pioneer of telescope construction, who sets the status quo when he's ridiculed for discovering a relation between sunspot activity and grain harvests. In the 19th century, Clark covers a period of "deep crisis for British science," which saw the Astronomer Royal, George Biddell Airy, do all he could to suffocate solar research in England because he couldn't believe "in any link beyond mere sunlight between the Sun and Earth." Naturally, Airy couldn't stop progress, and solar observation continued through the 19th century under the direction of Greewich Observatory's Walter Maunder; in the 20th century, Clark describes the work of George Hale, instigator of the research that would eventually vindicate old Herschel by showing a profound correlation between sunspots and agricultural production; in the present, Clark considers the success and legacy of space-based observatories (SOHO and STEREO) and land-based radio telescopes. Though it might sound dry, Clark's parade of historical characters dramatize the narrative nicely, and Clark conveys the significance of their scientific observations with plenty of context and thorough references, making this a fascinating work for both casual stargazers and serious astronomy buffs.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Among the several pioneering solar observers whom Clark discusses, an Englishman named Richard Carrington holds center stage, as much for his disappointments in his pursuit of a scientific career as for his discoveries. To cite but one of his credits, Carrington proved the sun has differential rotation and hence is gaseous. Though accorded recognition in 1859 by Britain's Royal Society, Carrington never obtained the jobs in astronomy he desired, was ever pressed by the demands of owning a brewing business, and made a puzzling marriage to a woman who was illiterate and, as Carrington tragically learned too late, had an angry beau in her background. Other scientists in Clark's cast are far more historically prominent (William Herschel and George Hale, for example), but the author has recovered a touchingly dramatic story in Carrington. Well paced and well chosen. Gilbert Taylor
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product details

Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Princeton University Press (April 8, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0691126607
ISBN-13: 978-0691126609
Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
Average Customer Review: 30 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #389,954 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #412 in Books > Textbooks > Science & Mathematics > Astronomy & Astrophysics
- #548 in Books > Science & Math > Astronomy & Space Science > Astrophysics & Space Science
- #864 in Books > Science & Math > Astronomy & Space Science > Astronomy

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A Wonderful Account of Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Astronomy

ByAlan Lewison January 16, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

A scientist - I am going to have to refresh my memory as to which one - highly recommended this book, "The Sun Kings," as an information source having to do with the 1859 Carrington Event, in an appearance on Richard C. Hoagland's excellent long-form webcast, "Other Side of Midnight." I bought this book on the strength of that recommendation, and it turned out to be even better than expected. "The Sun Kings" is not a long book and it could not be reasonably called complete. For instance, I picked up other very interesting information about historic English astronomer John Herschel and his involvement with the then-new field of photography from the Encyclopedia Britannica. But for a relatively quick account, for a general reader, of the early history of the science of astronomy as we know it today, "The Sun Kings" is terrific. It would be hard to over-recommend this book. The Carrington Event refers, at least in part, to an electromagnetic pulse from the sun and its destructive effect on technology of the day such as telegraphs.

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The author is brilliant and this work should be required reading for any who are concerned about EMP

ByWilliam R. Forstchenon June 26, 2009

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Before going into any details I must congratulate the author of this work for his expectional writing style and brilliant research.

This book is of particular interest to me because I'm an historian with a specialization in the history of technology and the author of "One Second After," a novel about the impact of an EMP (electro-magnetic pulse) event. Up front I pray that "The Sun Kings" will get the recognition it deserves and wind up on the best seller list. EMP is not only a potential miitary threat, it is also a potential natural/environmental threat that could cripple our country.

It was not until after my novel was released in March 2009 that I heard of the "Carrington Event." A friend, having read "The Sun Kings" insisted I read it. Read it? I devoured the book in one sitting. Not only did it open my eyes to other aspects of EMP, I was compelled to turn page after page because of the author's brilliant, well written and even witty delivery. He is an exceptional author who truly brings a fascinating and all but unknown field of history alive. (His footnote on a 19th century test, using chickens to test the velocity of tornadoes is hysterical, even though those of us who lean towards PETA will cringe!)

If you are interested in the history of technology read this book. Astronomy, read this book. National security in the face of potential EMP scenarios, definitely read this book! I now recommend it to any who will listen.

I hope someday I can meet the author, it will be an honor to shake his hand. He is a great historian, he is also an author who through a fascinating tale raises an issue of deep concern to all of us. Another solar cycle is upon us (and please spare me any Mayan Prophecy foolishness!) and our delicate electrical/electronic infrastructure is at risk. There are numerous reasons to read this book and one of the better ones beside all the issues I am concerned about with EMP. . .it is above all else a magnificent and highly informative experience.

Most sincerely,

William R. Forstchen Ph.D.
author of "One Second After"

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... her request - I have read one chapter and loved the clarity of expression and the history itself

ByRonald Rogerson August 28, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

While I bought this book as a birthday present for my daughter - her request - I have read one chapter and loved the clarity of expression and the history itself. A lovely piece of scientific writing.

My daughter has now read most of it and is absolutely delighted with it. I am borrowing it next. It's clearly an excellent exposition of this period of the history of sunspot observations. This is very relevant given the emergence more recently of the finally acknowledged significance of not just sunspots bur solar activity overall in its effect as factors which influence the earth's climate. Highly recommended.

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A great book about our nearest stellar neighbor and those who unveiled the mysteries of it!

BystarstruckVINE VOICEon February 28, 2015

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Loved it! I've been an amateur astronomer for 40 years and have read nearly everything I could get my hands on about the progression of astronomy from the hands of the amateur to the hands of the professional astronomers and astro-physicists of today but most of what was in this book about the development of solar astronomy was all new to me. In addition to that it got me very excited about all that can be seen on the sun through the high quality solar scopes that are available to us today. It emphasizes how much our climate is being effected by what goes on on the sun and how it is possibly at least partially responsible for the climate changes that our earth goes through periodically. I would highly recommend this book for anyone with an interest in astronomy or even science in general. I guarantee you will learn something new!

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Great Read

ByRandall R. Scotton March 12, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Extremely well-written. Its main focus begins by documenting the 1959 Carrington Event and proceeds to discuss how that CME started observer-astronomers on the road to becoming scientists -- critical thinkers who had to figure out what the Sun actually is and whether or not its activity does or does not have an affect on Earth's weather, climate, and electrical infrastructure. The Sun Kings are William Herschel, son John Herschel, Richard Carrington, and E.A. Maunder. Their work spanned over 100 years, from the late 18th century through the early 20th century.