Atomic Astrophysics and Spectroscopy

Description

Spectroscopy enables the precise study of astronomical objects and phenomena. Bridging the gap between physics and astronomy, this is the first integrated graduate-level textbook on atomic astrophysics. It covers the basics of atomic physics and astrophysics, including state-of-the-art research applications, methods and tools. The content is evenly balanced between the physical foundations of spectroscopy and their applications to astronomical objects and cosmology. An undergraduate knowledge of physics is assumed, and relevant basic material is summarized at the beginning of each chapter. The material is completely self-contained and features sufficient background information for self-study. Advanced users will find it handy for spectroscopic studies. A website hosted by the authors contains updates, corrections, exercises and solutions, as well as news items from physics and astronomy related to spectroscopy. A link to this can be found at www.cambridge.org/9780521825368.

Anil Pradhan is a Professor in the Department of Astronomy, the Chemical Physics Program, and the Biophysics Graduate Program at the Ohio State University, where he has taught a course on astrophysical spectroscopy for the past twenty years. Sultana Nahar is a Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Astronomy at the Ohio State University. She has an extensive background in atomic physics and astrophysics and is one of the foremost researchers on atomic processes.

'This is a very important book that bridges the gap between modern atomic physics and modern astrophysics. It covers all the essential subjects, and is very well written. I think it will be of considerable value to research workers in both broad areas, to professors who wish to teach about the subjects, and to students. I expect that it will be very well received by both communities. I'm happy that Cambridge [University Press] will add this book to its distinguished series of books in physics and astrophysics.' Dimitri Mihalas, G. C. McVittie Professor Emeritus, University of Illinois and Laboratory Fellow, Los Alamos National Laboratory 'Pradhan and Nahar have written the most coherent discussion of atomic processes that produce radiation in astrophysical thermal environments that I have read to date. A great deal of ground is covered in the book and one of its strengths is that it provides the quantum mechanical basis for the processes while also giving the practical applications that are needed to interpret spectral features in astronomical objects. I highly recommend the book to spectroscopists as a fundamental resource.' Dr Robert Williams, Space Telescope Science Institute and President of the IAU 'The discipline of atomic physics lies at the heart of astrophysics ... Atomic Astrophysics and Spectroscopy by two noted practitioners is an important step forward.' Alexander Dalgarno, Phillips Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University '... one I shall consult frequently when next I face a class in spectroscopic astrophysics.' The Observatory