Click on the following links to see spectra taken at Xanadu Observatory.

Spectroscopy is the process of separating light into its various wavelengths in order to study an object.  Using spectroscopy, astronomers can derive a wealth of information such as chemical composition, radial velocities, existence of "hidden" components of a system, etc.

***CLICK HERE TO SEE A PRESENTATION MADE AT THE 2007 TEXAS STAR PARTY ABOUT AMATEUR SPECTROSCOPY***  or DOWNLOAD a copy by clicking here.

***CLICK HERE TO SEE A PRESENTATION MADE TO TAAA ON BACKYARD SPECTROSCOPY AT THE 11/03/06 MEETING***

NEW  ***CLICK HERE TO SEE A "MOVIE" (5MB) SHOWING THE SGS SETUP AT A STAR PARTY - THANKS TO MY FRIEND VICTOR HERRERO FOR COMPILING THIS!***

Stellar Classification - Click here to see comparative spectra for the traditional "OBAFGKM" sequence.

Wavelength calibration is performed using standard gas lamps purchased from Edmund Scientific.  The lamps emit light at specific wavelengths - Click here to see the reference wavelengths.

Follow this link to view and listen to a web seminar on amateur spectroscopy, which was hosted by Arnie Rosner's RAS Observatory on November 13, 2005.  (Caution - this is over an hour long seminar and may take several minutes to download!)

Some links to Spectroscopy equipment that can be used by amateur astronomers:

• SBIG - makes the SGS Self-Guiding Spectroscope and the DSS-7 Deep Space Spectrograph.

• Shelyak Instruments - makes the LHIRES III High Resolution Spectrograph.

• Rainbow Optics - a filter-style transmission grating spectrograph.

• Spectral Optics - several different very low cost 1 1/4" spectrum filters which can be used for both visual and photographic work.

• Rigel Systems - a unique eyepiece attachment to show spectra visually.

Analysis of spectrum is performed using some outstanding free software:  Visual Spec and Iris.

Line identification is a difficult task.  On occasion, professional observatory spectra are used to aid in determining lines.  I have found the following two sources to be especially useful:

• ELODIE - The ELODIE data archive from Observatoire de Haute Provence (OHP) has many available spectra.

• UVES - From ESO at Paranal Observatory in Chile.

The following books are excellent resources for amateurs interested in spectroscopy:

• Practical Amateur Spectroscopy, published by Springer.

• Stars and Their Spectra (Kaler), published by Cambridge University Press.