The Observation and Analysis of Stellar Photospheres [Hardcover]

David F. Gray (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521851866 | ISBN-13: 978-0521851862 | Publication Date: November 28, 2005 | Edition: 3

Revising topics and results to include the latest research, this updated third edition describes the equipment, observational techniques, and analysis used to investigate stellar photospheres. Topics covered include radiation transfer, models of stellar photospheres, spectroscopic equipment, observing stellar spectra, and techniques for measuring stellar characteristics. The comprehensive textbook is ideal for advanced students of stellar physics. Each chapter contains exercises, and useful real star data and primary references can be found throughout.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...this new edition sustains the strenths of its predecessors while introducing new material, including (for the first time) exercises that enhance its usefulness as source material for lecture courses...all the expected standard topics are well covered, with a clarity that readily betrays the author's deep familiarity with, and understanding of, both the central physics and the empirical practice. Any atypical content and emphasis also reflects this first-hand command of the material, and sets the book apart from (and above) a number of others that attempt to cover broadly similar ground...accessible at undergraduate level, and with enough depth (and referencing to primary sources) to make it useful for the research scientist. Recommended to all with interests in these areas." - The Observatory, Ian D. Howarth

Book Description

This updated third edition describes the equipment, observational techniques, and analysis used to investigate stellar photospheres. It builds on the successful previous editions, improving the presentation, and revising topics and results to include the latest research. Topics covered include radiation transfer, models of stellar photospheres, spectroscopic equipment, observing stellar spectra, and techniques for measuring stellar characteristics. This comprehensive textbook is ideal for advanced students of stellar physics. Each chapter contains exercises, and useful real star data and primary references can be found throughout.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 550 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 3 edition (November 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521851866
• ISBN-13: 978-0521851862
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.9 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,567,390 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential, fundamental and superb, yet not for beginners, September 3, 2001

By 

Gustavo F. P. de Mello (Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Observation and Analysis of Stellar Photospheres (Cambridge Astrophysics) (Hardcover)

This is a classical textbook on several issues of the analysis of stellar spectra. It is thorough, objective, very clear and superbly written, with illuminating physical insights and conceptual discussions. The reader will also benefit from the accurate mathematical treating. But it is not an undergraduate text: many topics are discussed in such a way that leaves the uninitiated feeling that the concepts have dropped from the sky. At times the discussion is brief and to the point, which is perfect for anyone who has studied the topic before and wishes a deeper understanding; again the novice might find him/herself unable to follow. The presentation of observational results throughout the text, corroborating the theoretical background, is very commendable. An excellent text to the very advanced undergraduate or beginner graduate student, with few rivals in the market.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This classical book is a must for astronomy students, May 7, 2001

By 

Eduardo Fernandez del Peloso (Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Observation and Analysis of Stellar Photospheres (Cambridge Astrophysics) (Paperback)

This is a classical book on the astrophysics of stellar photospheres. Its content is accurate and thorough but yet simple enough for beginner undergradute students. For a more advanced approach see "Stellar atmospheres", by Dimitri Mihalas.

5.0 out of 5 stars Aimed at the Oberver, Not the Theoretical Aspects, March 23, 2006

By 

John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Observation and Analysis of Stellar Photospheres (Hardcover)

This book is aimed at the advanced undergraduate or graduate student in astronomy or astrophysics. It is well suited for use as a university text, probably for a one year course. It also includes enough matherial to be useful to research scientists who may have specialized in other areas. The orientation of the book is more to the observer and analyzer of steller atmospheres rather than the theoretical approach.

In my opinion the student should have enough of a background in astronomy to at least understand the concept of spectrum lines. And math through Fourier transforms -- Chapter two of this book covers Fourier transforms, but twenty-five pages isn't quite enough to provide the understanding that I believe is needed for the rest of the book, or indeed for the questions that end Chapter 2.

This is the third edition of the book. It is updated to include the recent discoveries in both observations and the analytical tools that have been developed. To a lessor extent, some areas of the book have been revised to follow suggestions made by users of the previous editions.