Includes bibliographical references and index.

Why record spectra of astronomical objects? -- The nature of spectra -- Atomic hydrogen -- Complex atoms -- Helium spectra -- Alkali atoms -- Spectra of nebulae -- Spectra in magnetic fields -- X-ray spectra -- Line profile -- Molecular structure -- Rotational spectra -- Vibration-rotation spectra -- Electronic spectra of diatomic molecules.

"In astronomy, spectroscopy is the technique that often provides most insight into the physical make-up of an object. In his book, Prof. Jonathan Tennyson (University College London) sets out to connect observed spectral line features to the quantummechanical properties of atoms and molecules in the line-producing, radiating media. He covers the whole electromagnetic spectrum from [gamma]-rays to radio waves. As expert in molecular spectroscopy, Tennyson puts emphasis on molecules, and the systematics in line spectra. In his foreword, he rightly stresses the role of molecules for spectra in the infrared and mm-range which are covered by (at the time of publication) upcoming observing facilities like Herschel, JWST, and ALMA. He leaves out aspects related to the modeling of spectra and the description of the instrumentation necessary for their observation. The book emerged from a lecture course for third year students. It assumes some familiarity with quantum mechanics on the level of the hydrogen atom, but not beyond. It starts out from the hydrogen atom to develop the concepts necessary to understand the spectra of complex, multi-electron systems. It applies the developed concepts to spectra observed in various astronomical environments before continuing with molecular structure and the hierarchy of molecular line spectra. Each chapter is finished by a number of problems with worked-out solutions which is helpful for lecturers using the book in their courses, or for self-study"-- Provided by publisher.