Spectroscopy
Explain and apply the basic laws and conventions of atomic spectroscopy.
Electromagnetic Radiation and the Equation of Transfer
Explain and apply fundamental radiation laws for both continuum and discrete line processes. Relate line emission and absorption coefficients to the Einstein coefficients. Be familiar with the equation of transfer and solve it for the interstellar medium and an Eddington model atmosphere. Explain stellar limb darkening.
Understanding Stellar Spectra
Describe the physical mechanisms that broaden and shape line absorption coefficients and show how to convolve various combinations of coefficient profiles. Then explain the changes that occur in a line profile as causative conditions change. Explain why an actual line profile is proportional in shape to its absorption coefficient profile in weak but not in strong lines.
Stellar Composition
Use curve-of-growth analysis to determine stellar composition.
Stellar Spectra and the Earth's Atmosphere
Explain and quantify the degradation of stellar spectra by terrestrial atmospheric absorption, scattering and refraction.
