While most amateur astronomers know about the red shift, have a general idea of the way that the emission and absorption lines in stellar spectra provide an ins... » 

While most amateur astronomers know about the red shift, have a general idea of the way that the emission and absorption lines in stellar spectra provide an insight into the atomic processes of the star, it is unusual to find someone who has any kind of detailed knowledge. The reason isn.t lack on interest . far from it . but is because all the books currently available are pitched at professional astronomers and degree students, and are to say the least, difficult to read.This is the first non-technical book on this subject, written specifically for practical amateur astronomers. It includes all the science necessary for a qualitative understanding of stellar spectra, but avoids a mathematical treatment which would alienate many of its intended readers. «