Tables of Spectral Lines of Neutral and Ionized Atoms was first published in Moscow in 1966. All misprints and errors that have come to our attention have been corrected, and additions based on journal articles have been made for the Plenum Press edition. In particular, additions have been made in the tables for Li (4], C I [1], N I (1], N IV [12], and N V [14]. Such highly important spectra as those of N IV, NV, 0 IV, 0 V, and 0 VI in the visible and partially in the ultraviolet regions have, until recently, re ceived almost no attention in the laboratory. The tables of these spectra in clude astrophysical data from B. Edlen (Z. Astrophys. , 7:378, 1933) and C. E. Moore (A Multiplet Table of Astrophysical Interest, Part I, N. B. S. , 1945) with rather rough estimates of the wavelengths of the spectral lines. But as the spectra of highly ionized atoms have been studied in the laboratory, these values have been determined more precisely, and we have striven to incorporate them in the American edition of the book. For the spectra of N IV and NV, we have employed the recent, comprehensive papers of R. Hallin (Arkiv for Fysik, 32:201, 1966; 31:511, 1966), in which the system of energy levels was refined and expanded, and many classified lines in the visible, ordinary ultra violet, and vacuum ultraviolet regions are cited.

This accessible guide presents the astrophysical concepts behind astronomical spectroscopy, covering both theoretical and practical elements. Suitable for anyone with only a little background knowledge and access to amateur-level equipment, it will help you understand and practise the scientifically important and growing field of amateur astronomy.

The broad development of spectroscopy in our country and, in particular, the extensive industrial applications of methods of spectral analysis make the need for basic reference literature a pressing one. Tables of spectral lines, as basic, primary material necessary for the identifica tion of spectra, are the most important of these reference books. The need for such tables is acutely felt by all who work in spectroscopy, and numerous requests for such a book have been received by the Commission on Spectroscopy of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR. On the world book market there are fairly complete tables that cover a very great number of spectral lines and that have been complied rather carefully, although they are not free of errors. Tables of this kind are undoubtedly necessary in general spectroscopic research and must be included among the reference books of large scientific institutions. But the number of workers who need such complete tables is comparatively limited. Therefore, after long discussion it was deemed impractical to republish these tables.