Spectroscopy for Amateur Astronomers

'Attractively produced as a working pair, these books are the products of a lifetime of familiarity with observing the spectra of cosmic objects of all kinds, conditions and states. The Atlas is in effect a modern version of the 1943 MKK Atlas, at one time a centrepiece of almost all student astronomy studies and courses. … An important development on the 1943 MKK Atlas is the addition of displays as graphs as well as images, and detailed labelling of the wavelengths of critical features. … The supporting volume Spectroscopy for Amateur Astronomers, is … a collection of notes on various aspects of both practical and theoretical spectroscopy - almost a 'guide' to the cosmos - and on recording and analysing what one can observe. A substantial list of references, plus tables of star names, a magnitude scale, and similar packets of useful information for the sky-watcher, are also included.' Elizabeth Griffin, The Observatory
'… most professional astronomers using optical telescopes devote the majority of their observing time to spectroscopy rather than imaging. The reason is simple: spectroscopic data provide far more information about an astronomical object than an image, such as its velocity, temperature, chemical composition, and magnetic field strength. In this volume, [the authors] present a hands-on guide to spectroscopy - one that equips amateur astronomers with both the theoretical and the technical knowledge necessary to progress from imaging to spectroscopy. The text first covers the basic physics behind spectral lines formation at a level appropriate for sophomore-level atomic physics courses, using mainly high school geometry and algebra … Next follows the heart of the book, which provides readers with a guide to the optical designs of various types of spectrometers, including … information on commercially available units. Finally, the text discusses the many research opportunities open to amateurs with a small telescope and spectrometer …' R. L. Mutel, Choice
'Cambridge University Press boasts a strong line of books on astronomy, and with the recent release of two books on amateur spectroscopy, the collection has grown only stronger. … If you're looking for a new observing challenge, or know someone who is, look to CUP for help getting started in with spectroscopy. … If you're a motivated amateur, this book will help you choose a spectrograph, guide you through your first recording, offer advice on processing the recorded spectra, and show you how to analyze it - all with amateur equipment. Pair this book with Richard Walker's Spectral Atlas for Amateur Astronomers and you'll have a comprehensive package on spectroscopy.' S. N. Johnson-Roehr, Sky & Telescope: The Essential Guide to Astronomy