Overview
- The first non-technical yet detailed account of a fascinating area of stellar astrophysics
- Invaluable to the rapidly-growing number of amateur astronomical spectroscopists
- An ideal companion to existing books on observational amateur astronomical spectroscopy, particularly Springer’s Practical Amateur Spectroscopy by Steve Tonkin (2002)
- Useful as a reference for astronomy/astrophysics students
Part of the book series: The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series (PATRICKMOORE)
Access this book
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Other ways to access
Table of contents(12 chapters)
About this book
While most amateur astronomers know about the red shift, have a general idea of the way that the emission and absorption lines in stellar spectra provide an insight into the atomic processes of the star, it is unusual to find someone who has any kind of detailed knowledge. The reason isn’t lack on interest – far from it – but is because all the books currently available are pitched at professional astronomers and degree students, and are to say the least, difficult to read.
This is the first non-technical book on this subject, written specifically for practical amateur astronomers. It includes all the science necessary for a qualitative understanding of stellar spectra, but avoids a mathematical treatment which would alienate many of its intended readers.
Any amateur astronomer who carries out (or who is interested in) observational spectroscopy and who wants a non-technical account of the physical processes which determine the intensity and profile morphology of lines in stellar spectra will find this is the only book written specially for him. And of course, "armchair astronomers" who simply want to understand the physical processes which shape lines in stellar spectra will find this book equally fascinating.
Reviews
From the reviews:
"If you ever wondered what the big deal is about spectroscopy or wished you understood it a little better, this book’s for you. Robinson takes a step-by-step approach to spectroscopy, each chapter building on the ones before it. … The book is a worthy addition to any advanced amateur astronomer’s library." (Michael Bakich, Astronomy, February, 2007)
"In this informative monograph, Robinson (Royal Astronomical Society) explains the basic concepts in terms that a general reader can master. Topics such as the characteristic radiation expected to be emitted by atoms, by ionized gas, and by molecules are addressed using illustrations and word descriptions of the physical processes. … the interested reader will find this book a stimulating introduction. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates." (D. E. Hogg, CHOICE, Vol. 44 (11), July, 2007)
"In Spectroscopy: The Key to the Stars, Keith Robinson makes spectroscopy approachable for those who are interested in expanding their observational repertoire. … Not only is this a good read for any observer thinking of taking up spectroscopy, but it’s also suitable for high school or first-year college students in astronomy and physics." (Carolyn Collins Petersen, Sky & Telescope, Vol. 115 (1), January, 2008)
"This is a small book (160 pages) written for amateur astronomers who use CCD cameras and include spectroscopy as part of their observational program. The main purpose of the book is to describe the physics and the physical processes behind the stellar spectra. … the topics considered are clearly and concisely described. The amateur astronomers, who are not familiar with physics or who have forgotten the essentials of this science, will read it … with interest and pleasure." (Emile Biemont, Physicalia Magazine, Vol. 29 (4), 2007)
Authors and Affiliations
-
Royal Astronomical Society, UK, Lancaster, UK
Keith Robinson
About the author
Keith Robinson obtained a degree in physics from the University of Lancaster, and is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: Spectroscopy: The Key to the Stars
Book Subtitle: Reading the Lines in Stellar Spectra
Authors: Keith Robinson
Series Title: The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-68288-4
Publisher: Springer New York, NY
eBook Packages: Physics and Astronomy, Physics and Astronomy (R0)
Copyright Information: Springer-Verlag New York 2007
Softcover ISBN: 978-0-387-36786-6
eBook ISBN: 978-0-387-68288-4
Series ISSN: 1431-9756
Series E-ISSN: 2197-6562
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XII, 160
Number of Illustrations: 87 b/w illustrations
Topics: Astronomy, Observations and Techniques, Popular Science in Astronomy