Introduction to Spectroscopy Workshop

Presenter(s): Bernard Heathcote, Ken Harrison

Affiliation(s): ASV

Session details: Friday, 2014-04-18 03:00:00, Beijing

Abstract

Spectroscopy is becoming more accessible to the amateur astronomy community, and it is key to supporting many areas of research. This workshop is designed for anybody who has an interest in spectroscopy. It will be most useful to those who are interested or new to the field, but we hope that it will also attract experienced spectroscopers who can share their experiences. Introduction – What is spectroscopy and how do spectroscopes work? – Examples and explanation of various amateur types – gratings/ DV/ Slit spectroscopes – Fitting spectroscopes to telescopes/ cameras. – Which cameras to use? Practical Spectroscopy – Objects vs spectroscope vs telescope – What can be observed – examples – Basic Processing of the spectral image to profile – Amateur Groups & Forums to support spectroscopy

Biography

BSc (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, Strathclyde University, Glasgow. Thesis “Design and Construction of the 98” Isaac Newton Telescope” Articles on telescope design published in BAA Journals, N’Daba (South Africa), ASV Newsletter. Past Section Director of the Astrophotographic Section, ASV and Past President of the ASV. Designer and constructor of the Spectra-L200 spectroscope. Developer of the successful (and safe) PST Ha solar telescope modification to larger apertures. Organiser of the largest web support group for amateur spectroscopy (700 members): https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/astronomical_spectroscopy/info Author of “Astronomical Spectroscopy for Amateurs”, 2011 and “Grating Spectroscopes – How to use them”, 2012, published by Springer Currently active in “data farming” – collecting medium/ hi-res spectra of V1369 Cen and solar imaging in white light/ Ha. Three passions in life: my wife, my spectroscopy, and my solar observing.