Atoms, Stars And Nebulae

(This review is based on the third edition of this work by L. H. Aller and Leo Goldberg) First published in 1971, Atoms Stars and Nebula is a non-technical look at the physical and chemical processes of the stars. While non-mathematical in approach, it is not an elementary work. The reader should have some fundamental knowledge of stellar astronomy and in particular a working knowledge of some high school chemistry, i.e. structure of the atom, chemical weights and formulas, the periodic table and some knowledge of nuclear reactions. Without this knowledge the reader can become quickly lost in the details and processes, but with it will gain a good incite into the inner working of how stars are born, live and evolve. The book does not deal with stellar data or how that data is collected. A lot of this information is assumed although there is some information given in the appendix. The book can be a slow read at times, requiring time to digest the somewhat complicated processes involved, especially if you lack any of the fundamental knowledge requirements. Amateur astronomers and other people with an interest science beyond the surface level will find this book a good sound primer and with a good mathematical background (calculus) the reader will easily be able to go on to the three volume set Stellar Astrophysics by Erika Bohm-Vitense. You may wish to review this book first at a college library before buying or search for it at a cheaper price.