DIY star spectra

[nytecam]

Most of our knowledge about the universe since mid 1850;s has come from analysing starlight via the spectroscope - the amateur can have a go too as my video shows taking simple stellar spectra

[loripo]

Very impressive and needing an awful lot of knowledge. I just had a look at

The Science of Light : Stellar Spectra

As I wasnt sure what the spectra showed - elements yes? Anyway I got this one right!

[Tormentil]

Originally Posted by loripo

Very impressive and needing an awful lot of knowledge.

I agree. It's all way over my head (forgive the pun ), but interesting, non the less.

[nytecam]

Originally Posted by loripo

Very impressive and needing an awful lot of knowledge. I just had a look at The Science of Light : Stellar Spectra
As I wasnt sure what the spectra showed - elements yes? Anyway I got this one right!

Thanks for the excellent reference - I'll pass it on.

Theres is so much that a spectrum reveals - the chemical composition [via the dark lines], temperature and velocity of the star [eg Doppler Effect via a shift in the lines towards blue = approaching and red = receeding] and much more etc

My other youtube vid on quasar redshifts at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZn8g1A04a8 and sun's spectrum seen in a DVD at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0h6rIItnmc

[loripo]

Thanks - I watched that, then got sidetracked with your Westies and the interesting video of optical effects in water. Perhaps you can answer my query about impacts on the moon's surface - are they ever seen/photographed?

[nytecam]

Originally Posted by loripo

Thanks - I watched that, then got sidetracked with your Westies and the interesting video of optical effects in water. Perhaps you can answer my query about impacts on the moon's surface - are they ever seen/photographed?

I think so but this is not my field - suggest your check Google /Wikipedia/Sky & Telescope

[loripo]

Thanks -will do