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

Volume 1 of 'Quasar Absorption Lines' explains quasar spectroscopy, via in-depth studies of absorbers and spectral classification.

Christopher W. Churchill (Author)

9780521867603, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 18 December 2025

838 pages
24.4 x 17 x 4.4 cm, 1.72 kg

'This outstanding two-volume set is long overdue for the Astrophysics community. Prof. Churchill captures the physics, science, and history of the rich field of quasar absorption lines. It can serve as the primary textbook for any class on the intergalactic medium or provide the foundational reference for research on the topic.' J. Xavier Prochaska, UC Santa Cruz

'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.

Foreword Max Pettini
Preface
Part I. Breakthrough Astrophysics: 1. A new science
2. Modern framework
3. Introduction to methods
Part II. Intervening Absorbers: 4. Neutral hydrogen absorbers
5. Deuterium and the big bang
6. 21-cm absorption
7. Helium absorption
8. Low ionization metal-line absorbers
9. Intermediate ionization metal-line absorbers
10. The warm/hot diffuse universe
11. High ionization metal-line absorbers
Part III. Galaxies and Their Gas: 12. Baryons and dark matter halos
13. Studying the circumgalactic medium
14. The nature of the circumgalactic medium
15. Friends of friends and their gas
16. Groups and clusters
17. Starbursts, AGN, and quasars
18. Active black holes and Eddington
19. BALs, NALs, and QPQs
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Astrophysics [PHVB]