Stars and their Spectra
Stars and their Spectra
Replaced by:
9780521585705The study of stars and their spectra is central to an understanding of classical and modern astronomy. The principal tool for investigating the nature of stars is to observe and interpret their spectra. In this lucid book, James Kaler clearly explains the alphabet of stellar astronomy - from the cool M stars to hot O stars - and tells the story of the evolution of stars and their place in the Universe. Before embarking on a fascinating voyage of cosmic discovery, we are introduced to the fundamental properties of stars, and how they can be categorised. Next, the structure of atoms and the formation of spectra is discussed, as a prelude to a full description of the spectral classification itself. The heart of the book examines each star type in turn and explores their spectra in detail. Notable discoveries and features related to each class sustain the story. There is also a review of unusual stars that cannot easily be classified. Finally, the book closes with a skilful integration of all the data - tracing the paths of birth, life and death of stars on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. This book is based on a widely acclaimed series of articles on stellar astronomy which appeared in the magazine Sky and Telescope. It provides an invaluable introduction for observers and students.
- Presents the largest collection of stellar spectra ever assembled for the general reader
- HB edition was recommended in Sky and Telescope (October 96) as the best book on the subject available
- An invaluable reference for amateur astronomers, and an introductory textbook for undergraduates in astronomy
- Includes a clear, deep explanation of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram - the stellar astronomers' most powerful tool
- Provides a lucid description of the spectral sequence of stars and how stellar spectra are formed
- A separate, extensive star index allows the user to easily locate descriptions of different types of stars, and spectra illustrating their properties
Reviews & endorsements
"I'm delighted to see this book in paperback finally...[T]he book is so well written that it remains an excellent book even as it was written ten years ago...This informative book is an excellent read, bridging the gap between purely popular-level entertainment and dense professional texts." The Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
"This unique and authoritative overview of the properties of stars belongs in every astronomy collection." Choice
"Potential readers need to know, however, that Kaler assumes a level of expertise somewhat higher than some might be used to. If readers stick with it however, they will be pleasantly surprised with a new level of knowledge about stars and how we have come to know what we know." Popular Astronomy Club
"...inspiring to all who are interested in astronomy." Sky and Telescope
"RStars and Their SpectraI by James B. Kaler provides a thorough and up-to-date survey of their spectral and photometric properties, structure, and evolution and how we find out about all this. The book includes discussions about planetary nebulae, novae, and other 'nonstellar' phenomenon related to stars." Brian Skiff, Sky and Telescope (The Stranded Astronomer's Library)
"Stars and their Spectraby James B. Kaler provides a thorough and up to date survey of their spectral and photometric properties, structure and evolution, and how we find out about all this. The book includes discussions about planetary nublae, novae, and other "nonstellar" phenomena related to stars." Brian Skiff, Sky and Telescope
"...a well-written and illustrated introduction for the novice..." Claud H. Sandberg Lacy
"One of Kaler's fortes is the clear explanation of astrophysics in plain English. If you have an interest in stellar spectroscopy, definitely get this book. You will get your money's worth, because you will read it at least twice." --Review from the Online Bookstore of the American Association of Variable Star Observers
Product details
May 1989Hardback
9780521304948
320 pages
247 × 174 × 20 mm
0.742kg
120 b/w illus. 14 tables
Replaced by 9780521585705
Table of Contents
- List of illustrations
- List of tables and displays
- Acknowledgements
- 1. Stars
- 2. Atoms and spectra
- 3. The spectral sequence
- 4. The M stars: red supergiants to dwarfs
- 5. The K stars: orange giants and brighter dwarfs
- 6. Our sun and its cousins: the G stars
- 7. Class F: stars in transition
- 8. The white stars of class A
- 9. The B stars: beacons of light
- 10. Class O: the head of the spectral sequence
- 11. Extraordinary classes
- 12. Journeys on the HR diagram
- Star index
- Subject index.
