Astronomical Spectrography for Amateurs

The advent of modern techniques of observation in the world of
amateur astronomers increases their potential to participate efficently
to scientific programs. In particular, spectrography is a new, quickly
developing tool for amateur astronomers. Moreover, amateur astronomers
have more and more possibilities to access telescopes with diameters
above 50 cm, either in professional observatories or belonging to
associations.

These improvements allow professional and amateurs to undertake
fruitful collaborations and common meetings. This book collects the
lectures given by professional for amateur astronomers during a CNRS
school. It focuses on spectroscopy, a budding domain for amateurs
already extensively used by professionals.

Basic principles of spectroscopy are described in a clear and precise
way and applications to the Sun, Be stars, nebulae, and comets are
successively exposed. A chapter is dedicated to the analysis of
spectral data, to put practical spectroscopy within reach of amateur
astronomers.