Stars and atoms

Name: Stars and atoms
Author: Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington

By Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington

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About This Book

The text presents three lectures linking atomic physics and stellar astronomy, explaining how processes at the atomic and subatomic scale determine stellar interiors and observable properties. It examines theoretical estimates of interior temperature, ionization, radiation pressure, opacity, and the mass–luminosity relation, and discusses very dense stellar states. It surveys observational investigations including binary-star problems, spectral interpretation, nebulae and solar atmospheric phenomena, and notable variable stars. Finally it evaluates stellar evolution and age, treating pulsation and Cepheid distance indicators, the contraction hypothesis, and the role of subatomic (nuclear) energy and mass loss in powering and transforming stars.

About the Author

Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington

Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington was a renowned British astrophysicist and cosmologist, celebrated for his contributions to the understanding of stellar structure and the theory of relativity. His influential works, including "The Nature of the Physical World" and "Stars and Atoms," explore the intersection of physics and astronomy, making complex concepts accessible to a broader audience. Eddington played a pivotal role in promoting Einstein's theories in the English-speaking world, significantly shaping scientific thought in the early 20th century. His legacy continues to impact both theoretical physics and our understanding of the universe.