Many satellites have recently been launched or are in preparation, which operate in the microwave to IR ranges, the main objective being to observe the earth's atmosphere or interstellar clouds. Analysis of the data they supply requires extensive laboratory work because we still only have sufficiently accurate data (line positions, intensities, and profiles) for only a few species. Furthermore, the observer community is making increasing calls for laboratory data, as new development open up new observational possibilities (such as submillimeter observation). Research on these subjects involves many different areas of specialisation in fields of research that generate a wealth of data. In Spectroscopy from Space the people responsible for field observations explain which results they are expecting from their measurements and how laboratory people can help them to analyse their satellite data. Laboratory spectroscopists explain why what they can do now, and what kinds of experiment and theoretical development that might undertake to meet the needs of the remote sensing community. The problems of distributing reliable laboratory data in a timely way are also addressed.

Thoroughly illustrated and clearly written, this handbook offers graduate students and active researchers a practical guide to astronomical spectroscopy.

This book, Volume 4 in the series, is dedicated to the relationship between laboratory spectroscopy, recording ever-more-complex spectra using increasingly powerful instruments benefiting from the latest technology, and the development of observation using instruments that are embedded in mobile probes or nanosatellites. The theoretical models described in Volumes 1, 2 and 3 are used in this volume, applying the cumulant theorem in the mean-field theory framework to interpret the near and mid-infrared spectra of symmetric top molecules, such as ammonia (NH3) and spherical molecules, such as methane (CH4). These molecules can be isolated in their gaseous form or subjected to the environmental constraints of a nano-cage (a substitution site, clathrate, fullerene or zeolite) or surfaces. These methods are not only valuable in the fields of environmental sciences, planetology and astrophysics, but also fit into the framework of data processing and the concept of Big Data.

This book is dedicated to the description and application of various different theoretical models to identify the near and mid-infrared spectra of symmetric and spherical top molecules in their gaseous form. Theoretical models based on the use of group theory are applied to rigid and non-rigid molecules, characterized by the phenomenon of tunneling and large amplitude motions. The calculation of vibration-rotation energy levels and the analysis of infrared transitions are applied to molecules of ammonia (NH3) and methane (CH4). The applications show how interactions at the molecular scale modify the near and mid-infrared spectra of isolated molecules, under the influence of the pressure of a nano-cage (the substitution site of a rare gas matrix, clathrate, fullerene or zeolite) or a surface, and allow us to identify the characteristics of the perturbing environment. This book provides valuable support for teachers and researchers but is also intended for engineering students, working research engineers and Masters and doctorate students.

This book contains everything an amateur astronomer needs to know to begin observing whilst going relatively deeply into the subject for those who are already involved. Covers a very wide range of available equipment, from simple DIY spectroscopes to the most expensive commercially-made instruments. Describes basic principles so that the reader understands how to analyse the spectra he/she sees or records. Contributions by leading amateurs astronomers from the USA and Europe.

This book describes different theoretical models developed to identify the near and mid infrared (IR) spectra of diatomic molecules isolated in the gas phase or subjected to environmental constraints, useful for the study of environmental sciences, planetology and astrophysics. The applications presented show how molecular interactions modify the near and mid IR spectra of isolated diatomics under the effect of pressure, a nano-cage (substitution site, Clathrate, Fullerene, Zeolite) or surfaces, to identify the characteristics of the perturbing environment.