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To try to thank everyone who has helped me in writing this thesis would be folly. I've had the best support possible - financially, scientifically and socially.I've been exceptionally lucky to have travelled to Zambia to watch the solar eclipse in 2001, to have been all over the USA, west coast to east, and to have visited several wonderful Mediterranean Islands. This thesis is the result of three years hard graft of mine, and several more years of other people, not to mention nearly \pounds60,000 (thats about \pounds400 per page, so although I am aware that some people may not read past this page, enjoy every single one you do read). More importantly, everyone has helped me in a multitude of ways, some of which they themselves may never be aware of.  
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So, to Mihalis and Francis - your continued financial support, scientific input, and, most importantly, the knowledge to just let me get on with it, were invaluable. To Peter - your enthusiasm is contagious, your knowledge of the subject area is expert, your eagerness to get me involved in so many projects overwhelming and your hospitality undeserved. I hope Emma and Whinger didn't mind me intruding. 
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To Dave and Shaun - despite my multitude of stupid questions (`no stupid questions, only stupid people'), your willingness to drop your own work to help me is a quality above and beyond that required of office mates. I can only hope I was as much help to both of you in your work. Good times in Lusaka, Santorini, Mallorca, Big Bear, Sacramento Peak, Washington DC, and New York will not be forgotten. Along with Gerry, Gary, and Dermot,  you've all had to suffer `other James' more often than most. I think we managed to solve all the problems of the world over a few pints of the black stuff (Arthur, you are the one true genius). To Cathy, Colin, Darko, Carrie, and others - thanks for the many discussions (arguments?) and your continued ability to play `James wins' in the face of adversity.
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To Robert and Thanassis - why anyone would ever want to be a computer systems administrator is beyond my comprehension. My computer skills are all the more better for your ability to explain complicated procedures in simple language.
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To my aunts and uncles, to Joanna, Pamela, Rhonda, and others housemates during my undergraduate years, to members of the APS past and present, to my old school teachers (especially Mr McNeice and Mr Headden, without whom I would not have ventured to university), to the APS lecturers who led me from physics to astrophysics, to all the members of the QUOTC, to the Common room bar staff, John, Paddy, and Jim, to all the Friday night regulars - you all helped me in you own way. To the wonderful city of Belfast and amazing people of Ireland - I will return, whether you like it or not.
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To Ann, Linda, and William - a person could not ask for better siblings. Finally to Mum and Dad - I can only hope you are as proud of me as I am of you.
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I would be lying if, like many thesis I note, I said that I've been interested in astronomy since I was a boy, or that I've always wondered about the Sun. Truth is, I prefer to just sit back and see what develops. It's not a lack of ambition, more just the acceptance that, as I learned in QUOTC, even the best plans will inevitably fall apart. The ability to bend in the wind is what ensures success. I've been told I have a habit of always landing on my feet, and falling into interests more often than choosing them. It turns out these are not bad habits after all. I think I'll stick with them and see where they take me. 

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