Overview
'Quasar Absorption Lines' is a comprehensive, detailed exposition on the science and analysis of quasar spectra in two volumes, for both aspiring and seasoned astronomers. This Volume 2: 'Astrophysics, Analysis, and Modeling' describes atomic transitions of hydrogenic and multi-electron ions, the theoretical foundation and practical application of the ΛCDM cosmological model, and radiative transfer from cosmological sources. The theory of spectrographs and the mathematical formalism and quantitative analysis of spectral absorption lines and ionization breaks are treated in detail, including column density measurements, line deblending, and Voigt profile fitting. The philosophies, methods, and techniques of large absorption line surveys are presented, including methods for correcting incompleteness and for measuring accurate absorber population statistics. Gas physics, heating/cooling, and ionization are also covered, followed by detailed methods for undertaking multi-component, multiphase chemical-ionization modeling.
Full Product Details
Author: Christopher W. Churchill (New Mexico State University)
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Weight: 0.500kg
ISBN: 9781009715218
ISBN 10: 1009715216
Pages: 680
Publication Date: 18 December 2025
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Manufactured on demand
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.
Reviews
From the Foreword: 'The second [volume] deals first with the core knowledge required to make sense of it all, from the underlying atomic physics to cosmology and to the physics of the interaction of light with matter. [...] To collect all this encyclopedia of relevant knowledge [on quasars] under one assemblage has never been attempted before and is the phenomenal achievement of these two volumes. Students and experts in the field will find them an endless source of information and a much used reference text for many years to come.' Max Pettini, University of Cambridge
From the Foreword: 'The second [volume] deals first with the core knowledge required to make sense of it all, from the underlying atomic physics to cosmology and to the physics of the interaction of light with matter. [...] To collect all this encyclopedia of relevant knowledge [on quasars] under one assemblage has never been attempted before and is the phenomenal achievement of these two volumes. Students and experts in the field will find them an endless source of information and a much used reference text for many years to come.' Max Pettini, University of Cambridge 'Churchill has produced a masterful textbook that is both comprehensive and readable. From the field's historical foundations through to modern analysis methods and discoveries, this book is a deep dive into the field of quasar absorption lines. Combined with supporting material on topics from cosmology and simulations to instrumentation and the interstellar medium, Churchill's two-volume set is the ultimate reference for students and seasoned researchers alike.' Sara Ellison, University of Victoria 'This remarkable two-volume book set on quasar absorption lines is, all at once, a historical reference, a comprehensive review article, a presentation of a remarkable amount of relevant fundamental physics and cosmology, a tutorial on numerous facets of spectral analysis, a description of modeling methodology and of insights from cosmological simulations, and a presentation of current results on the nature of the variety of absorption line systems and their relationships to galaxies over most of cosmic history. Churchill covers all of this systematically, clearly, and in depth, with unique, profound insights interwoven throughout. Not only student researchers of all levels, but also seasoned veteran researchers, will find this reference to teach them something which could substantially increase their productivity in the field. There is nothing else like it.' Jane Charlton, Penn State University 'This outstanding two-volume set is long overdue for the Astrophysics community. Prof. Churchill captures the physics, science, and history of the rich field of quasar absorption lines. It can serve as the primary textbook for any class on the intergalactic medium or provide the foundational reference for research on the topic.' J. Xavier Prochaska, UC Santa Cruz
Author Information
Christopher W. Churchill is a professor in the Department of Astronomy at New Mexico State University, where he leads the Quasar Absorption Line Galaxy Evolution Group, a collaboration between NMSU and several other international institutions. He has studied quasars for 30 years and published around 250 articles. His research has been featured on 'PBS Spacetime' and NPR and in 'New Scientist,' 'Scientific American,' 'The New York Times,' and 'The Washington Post.' He has taught astronomical spectroscopy for 20 years. This two-volume text consolidates these practical experiences.
