Atomic Astrophysics and Spectroscopy

“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 have learned a great deal from reading it myself. I'm happy that Cambridge will add this book to is 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. Descriptions of the theoretical underpinnings of the processes are well balanced with the presentation of analytic relations that are necessary for the analysis of spectroscopic data. 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. Most of what we know about the Universe is brought to us by radiation in the form of photons and it is the study of the spectra of the radiation that is our main source for understanding the nature of the Universe. The photons are modified on their journey to us by absorption, emission and scattering by atomic processes which provide a powerful diagnostic probe of the space through which they travel. The essential data that are observed are the spectral lines of the elements in their various ionization stages which the lines identify. The line strengths enable the element abundances to be determined and the physical characteristics of temperature,density and magnetic field and radiation intensity to be derived. By studying the atomic processes that control the physics of astrophysical plasma models of the spectra, the origins of the radiation can be modeled and the formation and evolution of galaxies, stars and planets and their interactions in the interstellar and intergalactic medium can be described. For the data analysis to be effective a secure extensive basis of understanding the extensive range of atomic processes that occur must be secured. Providing it is a major challenge. Atomic Astrophysics and Spectroscopy by two noted practitioners is an important step forward." Alexander Dalgarno, Phillips Professor of Astronomy, Harvard University