Wide-Field Spectroscopy

the long version

The field of astronomical spectroscopy has contributed much to the advancement of fundamental physics. Due to its multi-wavelength nature, it provides a wealth of information for studies of celestial bodies, especially when many objects (sometimes hundreds) spread over a wide angle are observed simultaneously under the same atmospheric conditions. <br/> In this book we gather together from major observatories throughout the world information on all new techniques of wide-field, multi-object spectroscopy including instrumentation, data processing for storage in large databases and automated spectral analysis. Additionally, several key projects of astrophysical importance are described by experts in the relevant fields. The main results from current observations and the astrophysical highlights expected from the new technologies are presented.