Spectroscopy and a 10" dob?

[Manok101]

I was wondering if a 10" dob would be worth trying my hand at spectroscopy with?

[Merlin66]

Yes is the answer!

Jack Martin used a similar instrument with a Rainbow Optics grating to prepare his spectral atlas.

All you need is a camera body, T thread nosepiece (to hold the grating) and either a Star Analyser or Rainbow Optics grating......

[Manok101]

Any recommended reading before I begin?

[david o]

How about "Spectroscopy: The Key to the Stars" to start you off with the basics ?

For a deeper theoretical approach try "Stars and their Spectra".

Then, of a more practical bent, there is Merlin's very own "Astronomical Spectroscopy for Amateurs". (Mines ordered )

[Manok101]

Will it work on things like nebulae or say planets?

[Merlin66]

With the grating you need star images or star-like images ( ie planets with short focal lengths) - nebula can be recorded but not at high resolution. This is the difference between a grating and a slit spectroscope.

Christian Buil's site is well worth a visit - he has something for everybody

Spectroscopy, CCD and Astronomy

Blackwell is good:

Regulus! Astronomy Education: Spectroscopy

Then there's Richard Walkers spectral atlas

http://www.ursusmajor.ch/downloads/spectroscopic-atlas-2_0-english.pdf

HTH

[TheThing]

Give it a go! It is very enjoyable.

Ken's book is quite excellent as it tetenterre's (aka Stephen Tonkin), but you'll be hard pressed to get a copy of the latter.

There is a very good spectroscopy section on this board as well.

Oh, and get a copy of Vspec downloaded as well (it's free!)