Quasar Absorption Lines: Volume 1, Introduction, Discoveries, and Methods

‘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 1: ‘Introduction, Discoveries, and Methods’ covers the evolution of the field of quasar spectroscopy over the six decades since quasars were discovered, including the development and application of observational methods and the knowledge gained from them. The broad treatment includes studies of the Ly α forest, Lyman limit systems, damped Ly α absorbers, deuterium (D/H), 21-cm absorbers, HI and HeII reionization, the warm/hot intergalactic medium, and the multiple ionization phases of metal lines. The connections between these absorbers and galaxies (the circumgalactic medium), galaxy groups (the intragroup medium), and clusters of galaxies (the intracluster medium) are treated in depth. Also covered are the taxonomy and classifications of AGN/quasar spectra, black hole accretion, broad and narrow associated absorption lines, and the quasar circumgalactic medium.

Author Biography

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 twenty years. This two-volume text consolidates these practical experiences.