Spectroscopy: The Key to the Stars: Reading the Lines in Stellar Spectra (The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series)

This is a very good book about the basic physics and theory behind the sub-atomic world of spectroscopy; it explains the interaction of light with matter, especially electrons. The explanations are very clear, the level of math needed is algebra I ( it is not mathematically intense at all), and only high school physics is needed to grasp the concepts. The subject matter is presented in an interesting manner with plenty of useful diagrams, figures, and tables. The material is applied to various astronomical phenomenon (nebulae, accretion desks, etc) adding value to the theoretical content. Those are the reasons why I gave this book five stars. I have a BA in astronomy (armchair astronomer) and this is one of the best spectroscopy books written for the amateur astronomer I have ever read. Robinson is a master communicator.This book would also be useful for not only astronomy fans and astronomy students, but would be of value to chemistry, biology, geology, and physics students in introductory courses as a supplement to a textbook in these same subjects. I have read it twice over the last two weeks. It is worth the read for those interested in the subject-students or amateurs.Rich

Although the book is a useful resource for the most basic of spectroscopy concepts it does NOT have any informative information or photos for one to learn the distribution of chemical composition of what stellar or non stellar objects or subjects you are studying.

I have always had an interest in things astronomical and have always wanted to learn about spectoscopy in particular. I have scanned through this book several times, reading portions that caught my eye. I have those parts easy to read and understand and look forward to reading this in depth. If you have interests like mine, I recommend this book.

I am on a quest to locate color photographs of a few stellar spectra.This book falls short ( one would suspect that a book with color graphics on the cover would feature color graphics within, but no luck... )The explanations are just fine, but why no color graphics?I have the kindle edition

This book is an enlightening, well written, and easily understood book for any amateur. It's even a must read for those whom plan at acquiring a scientific degree. Well worth the 18$ plus price tag.

Great reference book

Well written! I highly recommend it! This book builds a solid (but very understandable) foundation in the physics behind spectroscopy and then applies it evenly to amateur astronomy. Well done, Mr. Moore!

Technical without being a textbook. If you understand some physics this book is just outstanding. A great re-read as we'll.

The book doesnt tell you how to read or know the “story” of the stars so im disappointed...it does however show you a lot of pretty diagrams and some theoretical formulae.....Would have been nice to know the theory behind the formulae to give a better gauge of perspective in “theoretic mindsets of thinking”But on a lighter note....at least the part about gamma rays/xrays/and visible light made sense. Just a shame it doesnt really do what the cover and prefix of the book states.Worth the £10 or so just fpr the bit about visable light of you havn’t researched it already....

This book is not for the feint hearted. It deals with a lot of physics and chemistry at degree level, so can be heavy going.Persevere though, and you will get a lot of interesting background knowledge that will help you understand why, but not give you so much of the how. If you looking for a book on how to do spectroscopy, then you need to look else where, as this is purely theory based.

If you're into Astronomy and want to know about the processes going on inside the stars...and our Sun, then this book is for you. Elementary Physics and Maths is assumed, but don't worry, the book is not too technical. It makes good reading even if you skip the Maths. Recommended addition to any Astronomical library.

Not exactly bed-time reading but certainly deserving of a place in my library and recommended to anyone requiring a thorough grounding in astronomical spectroscopy.

Es muy bueno en su género por toda la información que aporta sobre el tema.