The husband-wife team E. Walter (1851-1928) and Annie S. D. Maunder contributed greatly to the understanding of the sun's chemical, electrical, electromagnetic, and plasma properties; and investigated links between the sun's behavior and Earth's climate. In particular, E. Walter identified a period of low sunspot activity and odd weather about 1620-1720, which was named for him posthumously. Soon (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics) and Yaskell describe their work and its significance for science and politics today. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)