The Sun from Space is a comprehensive account of solar astrophysics and how our perception and knowledge of this star have gradually evolved as mankind has elucidated ever more of its mysteries. The emphasis is on the last decade, which has seen three successful solar spacecraft missions: SOHO, Ulysses and Yohkoh. Together these have confirmed many aspects of the SUN and its output, and provided new clues to the numerous open questions that remain.The author, a leading researcher in the field, writes in a clear and concise style. Known also for his famous books "Astrophysical Formulae", "Sun, Earth and Sky", and the prize-winning "Wanderers in Space", he has succeeded once again in addressing a complex scientific topic in a very approachable way. Hence, this generously illustrated book, whilst primarily addressing students, will also be of interest to a broader readership covering all levels from the amateur to the expert.
Reviews of first edition:
"Useful for students are the ‘Focus’ sections; they delve into the mathematics and detailed physics of the chapter, leaving the rest of the material free of mathematics so it can be read by almost anyone. [...] Well written, up-to-date, and very comprehensive. Strongly recommended. General readers; undergraduates through faculty." (CHOICE, 38/7, 2001)
"The book is dedicated to the "curious, imaginative and intelligent" reader and for them and anyone else wanting to get rapidly "up to speed" on experimental solar physics this text can be thoroughly recommended. (...) The Sun from Space is notable for a number of special features. There is a bibliography par excellence covering some 60 pages. So as not to disrupt the flow of the text, details of background or supporting topics are dealt within "Focus Boxes" which work well. For me, however, the crowning special feature is the chronology of significant events in the field given at the end of each section." (The Observatory, 2001)
"The book is quite well-written and is organized to make the material accessible and useful to readers with a range of backgrounds ... Clearly, Lang is knowledgeable and has done his homework ... Improving our understanding of the Sun’s effects on weather and climate will help us separate out anthropogenic effects and, thus, enable rational decision making. In this context, Lang provides an important book ... I can recommend THE SUN FROM SPACE to anyone interested in a coherent and accurate account of recent advances in our understanding of the Sun and the many ways in which it affects our lives.” (SCIENCE MAGAZINE, April 27. 2001)
"The Sun from Space is an excellent resource for the classroom. The treatment of so many topics so well also makes the book a handy reference - and source of renewed inspiration - for those researching, or just interested in, the physics of the Sun and its impact on the Earth." (JULIA SABA, Solar Physics 199: 437–438, 2001)
From the reviews of the second edition:
"The last decade has seen dramatic progress in understanding many of the important aspects of solar physics. ... Lang (Tufts Univ.) has extensively revised the original edition of this book ... to incorporate these new data and the advances in theoretical understanding they have spawned. ... inestimable value to both students and professionals is a comprehensive bibliography containing more than 2,500 references to the scientific literature. ... should be included in every scientific library. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Academic, professional, and general audiences, all levels." (D. E. Hogg, Choice, Vol. 46 (10), June, 2009)
