Optical Astronomical Spectroscopy

Autorentext
C.R. Kitchin

Zusammenfassung
Beginning from the physical background of spectroscopy with an explanation of energy levels and spectroscopic notation, this book introduces the main techniques of optical spectroscopy and the range of instrumentation. It describes the applications of spectroscopy in modern astronomy, such as the solar system, stars, nebulae, and galaxies.

Inhalt
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.