Astronomy-inspired atomic and molecular physics (Q1347342)

This book deals with topics in atomic and molecular structure and dynamics that are important to astronomy. The focus is on the basic physics of atoms and molecules with a sample of their astronomical applications. The book is designed as a possible textbook for a course in atomic physics for students in astronomy programs, either at the senior undergraduate or first-year graduate school level. Chapter 1 considers the early beginnings of a modern scientific study of the astronomical Universe. In this chapter energy levels in hydrogen as well as in heavier atoms and positive ions are considered. Chapter 2 turns to intensities and polarizations of spectra, important for the study of stellar atmospheres. External field effects on spectra are the subject of Chapter 3. Chapter 4 considers more recent studies of very strong fields, associated with magnetic white dwarfs and neutron stars. The role of electron correlations is taken in Chapter 5, inspired by the astronomically important phenomenon of dielectric recombination for the capture of electrons by positive ions. Chapter 6 deals with molecular structure. The final Chapter 7 extends to larger molecules and to the variety of molecular interactions that have been studied in recent years for interstellar clouds and for the early stages of stellar formation.