The Aurora offers plenty of scientific data to explain. This book describes the history of the progress made in auroral science and magnetospheric physics by providing examples of ideas, controversies, struggles, acceptance, and success in some instances. It details the history of progress in auroral science and examples (right or wrong) of dealing with the controversies. In addition, it describes the history of pre-space age solar-terrestrial relations. The author, a distinguished auroral scientist, fully describes his experiences in characterizing and explaining auroral phenomena. The volume also includes beautiful full-color photos of the aurora.

This new edition of Exploring the Secrets of the Aurora is based on the author's own experiences as a scientist. It describes the history of progress made in auroral science and magnetospheric physics by providing examples of ideas, controversies, struggles, acceptance, and success.

Although no general methodologies are mentioned, the hope is that the reader will learn about the history of progress in auroral science and examples of dealing with the many controversies. This book aims to help young scientific researchers learn how to persevere during periods of controversy and struggles for acceptance.

In this second edition, by utilizing multiple examples, Akasofu is successful in demonstrating the importance and usefulness of Synthesis.

"Probably the book's most valuable contribution to the history of space physics is precisely the narration of the discovery of substorms.---The book has special features.---Akasofu's coverage of the history of pre-space age solar-terrestrial relations is the most comprehensive among books on the subject known to me.---It is a unique mix of science, history, philosophy, and exhortation."

-George Siscoe, Center for Space Physics, Boston University, Boston, MA

From the reviews of the second edition:

"Probably the book's most valuable contribution to the history of space physics is precisely the narration of the discovery of substorms.---The book has special features.---Akasofu's coverage of the history of pre-space age solar-terrestrial relations is the most comprehensive among books on the subject known to me.---It is a unique mix of science, history, philosophy, and exhortation."

George Siscoe, Center for Space Physics, Boston University

"The book documents the author's celebrated contributions to understanding the aurora spanning many decades and revolving around some of the most notable space scientists the discipline has produced. ? The author's personal remarks and views sprinkled throughout the book are enjoyable. ? Students who read this book will be amused and fascinated by the human side of the scientists ? . there are important messages from which scientists of all ages will benefit. ? all readers will find this book both fascinating and informative." (Robert M. Robinson, Eos, Vol. 89 (14), 2008)

"Akasofu's book on the 'secrets of the aurora' is a somewhat unusual work, the like of which I am hard pressed to recall any direct parallel. ? at a deeper level, the central topic of Akasofu's book is Akasofu himself. ? It should be said, for those not familiar with the development of solar-terrestrial physics over this interval, that the significance of Akasofu's central personal contribution to this research field is not in doubt." (Stan Cowley, The Observatory, Vol. 128 (1203), 2008)