Spectroscopy

Within this Section, we want to promote interest in spectroscopy from your backyard. For beginners and those who are skilled observers, or for those seeking to make real scientific contributions.

Going forward, it is expected that those who are keen, to use what is shown to them and grow themselves in the subjects, and when ready, start the process of contributing to science. The steps to follow;

  1. Spectroscopy theory
  2. Purchasing a transmission blazed grating
  3. Telescope & DSLR or astro cam
  4. Tracking telescope setup
  5. Practice taking spectra – again, again, again – using easy to analyse A type stars
  6. Download the software for analysing spectra
  7. Practise and practise using the software
  8. Then progress into bigger things
  9. Etc

Practise and understanding being the key to this subject

Books

Spectroscopy: The Key to the Stars – Keith Robinson

Astronomical Spectroscopy for Amateurs – Ken M. Harrison

Astronomical Spectrography for Amateurs – EAS Publication Series – J.P. Rozelot, C. Neiner

Spectroscopic Atlas for Amateur Astronomers (no longer a free pdf download – now buy on-line through Cambridge University Press) – Version 5.0 04/2014 – Version 4 should still be available for free download

Software

Tom Field – RSpec – http://www.rspec-astro.com (most preferred – software comes with video tutorials that can be down loaded)

BASS Project (Basic Astronomical Spectroscopy Software by John Paraskeva – 2nd choice – http://www.aesesas.com/mediapool/142/1423849/data/DOCUMENTOS/BASS_Project_1_.pdf

Visual Spec – http://www.astrosurf.com/vdesnoux

Christian Buil – http://www.astrosurf.com/buil

Gratings

Rainbow Optics: manufacturer of the Star Spectroscope 200 l/mm grating – http://www.starspectroscope.com/

Paton Hawksley Star Analyser 100 (SA-100) – http://www.rspec-astro.com/star-analyser/

Groups

Astronomical Spectroscopy for Amateurs – most popular
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/RSpec_Real_Time_Spectroscopy/info

Basic Astronomical Spectroscopy Software
https://uk.groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/astrobodger/info

Ken M. Harrison – very specialised in amateur spectroscopy and willing to help – ex member of the Durban ASSA group – you can contact him via the above “yahoo” group or direct on kenm.Harrison@gmail.com

Robin Leadbeater – THREE HILLS OBSERVATORY – (Formerly “ROBIN’S ASTRONOMY PAGE”)

http://www.threehillsobservatory.co.uk/astro/astro.htm

A Good List of Links

http://www.stargazing.net/david/spectroscopy/links.html

Astronomical Society of Southern Africa

http://assa.saao.ac.za/sections/photometry-spectroscopy/spectroscopy/

Suggested links to advanced slit type, high resolution spectroscopes

  1. Commercial – Alpy 600 & guide setup http://www.shelyak.com/rubrique.php?id_rubrique=17&lang=2
  1. Commercial – DADOS SLIT SPECTROGRAPH

http://www.baader-planetarium.com/en/spectroscopy/dados-slit-spectrograph.html

  1. Make your own – LOWSPEC – https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2455390

The above list is certainly not exhaustive and there are many other excellent books that will enhance your understanding of this fascinating aspect of amateur astronomy. The internet also has a vast amount of information on the subject at every level.

Attached for further reading and info prepared by Percy Jacobs

  1. Training info – “PASSA Amateur Spectro PMJ Oct 2016” PASSA Amateur Spectro PMJ Oct 2016
  2. Taking and analysing spectra – “PASSA Amateur Spectroscopy the how” PASSA Amateur Spectroscopy the how1
  3. Basic’s of spectroscopy and some info on equipment – “Scopex 2017” Scopex 2017