Introduction to Spectroscopy and Astronomical Observations

This chapter presents an introduction to the techniques and tools used in astronomy and astrophysics research, mainly focused on spectroscopy. The basic concepts of spectroscopy are first described, from the Schrodinger equation to the Lambert–Beer’s law. The spectroscopy of solid systems, widely found in astronomical media, is studied in more detail. An introduction is provided also to the basic concepts of astronomical observations, and the information that can be obtained from them, both in the gas phase and in solid systems. An appendix is included with conversion factors for some of the many magnitudes and units employed in this area.