Discover hidden secrets about the Sun, our local star, and learn about eclipses and the Northern Lights

The Sun is incredibly dynamic and shrouded in mystery, despite its apparent unchanging appearance in our daytime sky. In this fascinating guide, you will explore the history, science and modern observations that uncover the mysteries of the Sun.

From ancient astronomers who hailed the Sun as a deity, to new age space exploration, the way we observe the Sun has come a long way. Humanity’s scientific journey to understand the Sun has included many intriguing and humorous tales from over the centuries. In today’s age, it is far easier to become a sun observer.

• Learn how our knowledge of the Sun has evolved over centuries

• Understand the basic physics behind sunspots and solar flares

• Wonder at the life and death of stars like the Sun

• Discover how solar activity affects us here on Earth, what are solar weather and solar radiation?

• Solar and lunar eclipses: why, where and when do these occur?

• Access tools and methods to observe the Sun safely from your own back garden

• Learn about cutting-edge space observations of the Sun and how to access these images

• Illustrated with key imagery from solar telescopes, NASA and ESA