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The Definitive Practical Guide to Solar Observing, Imaging, and Understanding the Sun
The Definitive Practical Guide to Solar Observing, Imaging, and Understanding the Sun
A richly illustrated field guide and technical reference for understanding, observing, and capturing the Sun in H-alpha, white light, and Calcium-K.
Mark Johnston has written the book the solar community has needed for years. After 25 years in precision solar optics, I came away having learned something new on nearly every page, and the technical accuracy is excellent. Essential reading for beginners and experienced observers alike. In short... Mark Johnston has assembled the definitive solar imaging reference guide.
- Andy Lunt, Founder and CEO, Lunt Solar Systems
Who this book is for
Whether you're at the eyepiece, behind the camera, or educating the public, this handbook meets you where you are.
For Visual Observers
For Visual Observers
Understand prominences, filaments, plage, fibrils, sunspots, flare ribbons, and active regions — and know what you're looking at in real time.
For Imagers
For Imagers
Learn sampling, seeing strategy, capture timing, stacking, sharpening, inversion, and feature-specific workflows by wavelength.
For Educators and Outreach Presenters
For Educators and Outreach Presenters
Use the Sun as a dynamic, changing object that reveals magnetic structure in real time — endlessly engaging for audiences of all ages.
"Mark Johnston's detailed and encyclopedic work on solar observing and imaging fills a huge vacancy in the literature of the astronomy world."
— David J Eicher, Editor emeritus, Astronomy Magazine
What you will learn
Equipment, filter, camera, and workflow guidance grounded in actual use
Capture guidance tied to how quickly solar features evolve and your aperture
Comprehensive coverage on seeing, atmospheric dispersion, and airmass effects
17 Case Studies that train the eye to recognize patterns and understand the temporal and magnetic nature of what you see
Complete troubleshooting guide for observers and imagers
Fully illustrated treatment of stacking, sharpening, deconvolution, processing and presentation
What makes it unique
A practical H-alpha field guide for both the disk and limb, based on real observations, not textbook descriptions
Over 300 high-resolution solar images — no generic filler diagrams
Side-by-side natural and inverted processing examples throughout
Free practice datasets so readers can follow along with every workflow
An unusually detailed treatment on Calcium-K filters and imaging
Up-to-date Buyers Guide to solar telescopes, filters, and cameras
Specialty topic coverage: ISS transit capture, spectroheliographs, automated prominence alerts, and more
"An excellent resource for beginner and advanced solar imagers alike, from equipment to processing techniques to the basics of heliophysics — this book has you covered"
Filip Szczerek, creator of ImPPG
"Really well written, easy to follow, yet extremely comprehensive!"
Emil Kraaikamp, creator of AutoStakkert!
Look inside the book
Six sample pages from the 366 page handbook
Sample Field Guide Page
Sample Field Guide Page
Solar Orientation
Solar Orientation
Atmospheric Seeing Discussion
Atmospheric Seeing Discussion
Sample Case Study
Sample Case Study
Common Misidentifications
Common Misidentifications
H-alpha Capture Guidance
H-alpha Capture Guidance
"A very well-written book, with information useful to both beginners and seasoned solar astronomers. The extensive imaging guidance will help readers improve their results"
Mark Wagner, CEO of Solar Spectrum Filters and former chief designer at Daystar Filters
Frequently Asked Questions
What editions are available?
Signed softcover, Amazon softcover (identical content), searchable PDF, and a signed copy + PDF bundle.
Is the PDF searchable?
Yes — the PDF edition is fully text-searchable and optimized for use as a digital reference on tablets and laptops.
Do I need to be an imager to use this book?
Not at all. The book was written for both visual observers and imagers. Only 19 of its 53 chapters focus primarily on imaging; the rest cover solar features, observing, equipment, safety, solar physics, and practical interpretation.
What solar filters does the book cover?
H-alpha, white light, and calcium K — with equipment and workflow guidance specific to each.
Can I order a signed copy?
Yes — signed copies are available directly through this site. See the editions section above.
Do you ship internationally?
Signed copies ship internationally. International readers may prefer the PDF edition for faster delivery and lower cost.
Where do I download practice data?
Practice datasets are available via the button above and through a dedicated library page linked from there.
Edition
Signed softcover
Amazon softcover
PDF edition
Signed softcover + PDF bundle
Best for
Collectors, gifts, and direct author support
Best for fast delivery, easy checkout, and international readers who may save significantly on shipping
Searchable reference for tablets and laptops
Best overall value
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