ABSTRACT
A concise introduction, Optical Astronomical Spectroscopy appeals to the newcomer of astronomical spectroscopy and assumes no previous specialist knowledge. Beginning from the physical background of spectroscopy with a clear explanation of energy levels and spectroscopic notation, the book proceeds to introduce the main techniques of optical spectroscopy and the range of instrumentation that is available. With clarity and directness, it then describes the applications of spectroscopy in modern astronomy, such as the solar system, stars, nebulae, the interstellar medium, and galaxies, giving an immediate appeal to beginners.
Preface. Atomic processes. Introduction to spectroscopy. The physics of atoms and molecules. Atomic energy levels. Transitions. Spectra of molecules. Radiation in the presence of fields. Spectroscopy of solid materials. Astronomical spectroscopic techniques. Optical spectroscopes. Specialized optical spectroscopic techniques for astronomy. Examples of optical spectroscopes. Spectroscopy of astronomical sources. Spectral classification. Radial velocities. Spectrophotometry. Stars. Planets and other minor bodies of the solar system. Nebulae and the interstellar medium. Extra-galactic objects. Appendices. Conversion formulae. Term formation of equivalent electrons. Bibliography. Constants. Index.
