Stars and their Spectra
Stars and their Spectra
Stellar spectroscopy is the fundamental tool for investigating the natures of stars and is central to our understanding of modern astronomy and astrophysics. Revised and expanded, the second edition of this popular book provides a unique and thorough introduction to stellar spectra. It begins by introducing the reader to the fundamental properties of stars and the formation of spectra, before proceeding to the concept and history of stellar classification. The following chapters each look at a different star type: starting with cool M, the discussion extends to cover new stellar classes L and T, before advancing through type O to finish with extraordinary classes. The book concludes with a skilful integration of all the data, tracing the evolution of stars and their place in the Universe. With modern digital spectra and updates from two decades of astronomical discoveries, this accessible text is invaluable for both amateur astronomers and students.
- Provides a clear introduction to how spectra are observed and classified and also to the importance of stellar spectroscopy in modern astronomy and astrophysics
- Discusses each stellar class in turn - from the cool M stars to the hot O stars - and includes the new classes L and T
- Fully updated with modern digital spectra and details of stellar discoveries from the last 20 years
Reviews & endorsements
'The quality and application of the first edition were acclaimed by numerous reviewers at the time, and the same epithets can be applied just as convincingly to this second edition … Kaler's treatment of the subject contains something for all levels of interest; it is comprehensive and thorough, and his style very readable, almost conversational, with smatterings of wry humour. It is unreservedly recommended.' The Observatory
Product details
July 2011Hardback
9780521899543
412 pages
254 × 182 × 23 mm
0.96kg
229 b/w illus. 18 tables
Unavailable - out of print
Table of Contents
- 1. Stars
- 2. Atoms and spectra
- 3. The spectral sequence
- 4. The M stars: red supergiants to dwarfs
- 5. Descending the staircase: class L
- 6. The wet basement: class T
- 7. The K stars: orange giants and brighter dwarfs
- 8. Our Sun and its cousins: the G stars
- 9. Class F: stars in transition
- 10. The white stars of class A
- 11. The B stars: beacons of the skies
- 12. Class O: the head of the spectral sequence
- 13. Extraordinary classes
- 14. Journeys on the HR diagram
- Star index
- Subject index.
