Stars and their Spectra: An Introduction to the Spectral Sequence - Hardcover

Kaler, James B.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521304946 ISBN 13: 9780521304948

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1989

Synopsis

This unique and informative text describes how stars are classified according to their spectral qualities and temperature. James Kaler explains the alphabet of stellar astronomy, running from cool M stars to hot O stars, and tells the story of their evolution. Before embarking on a voyage of cosmic discovery, the author discusses the fundamental properties of stars, their atomic structure and the formation of spectra. Then, Kaler considers each star type individually and explores its spectra in detail. A review of unusual, hard-to-classify stars, and a discussion of data related to the birth, life and death of stars round out the text. This book is an important resource for all amateur astronomers and students of astronomy. Professionals will find it a refreshing read as well.

About this title

Book Description

James Kaler explains the alphabet of stellar astronomy - from the cool M stars to hot O stars - and tells the story of their evolution and their place in the Universe. An invaluable introduction for observers and students.

About the Author

Jim Kaler is Professor Emeritus of Astronomy at the University of Illinois. He has published over 100 papers on the later stages of stellar evolution and has written more than a dozen books on stars, ranging from textbooks to popular books for general readers. His book The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Stars is a standard reference on stellar astronomy.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521304946
• ISBN 13: 9780521304948
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320