Spectroscopy Beginnings

[MonteTheMagnificent]

Hello all,

 

I am looking into making a hobby out of spectroscopy but don't exactly know where to start.

All I can really go off is a high school education of physics and the various reading that one usually does when looking into something new.

The main questions are, essentially;

1. What is the best spectrometry equipment for an amateur like myself?

I have little to no knowledge on all the necessary equipment, so any recommendations would be very much appreciated. For any suggestions, if you wouldn't mind giving a reason as to why you recommend a said product, I will take this information with great appreciation.

In terms of a camera, I've read that CCD monochrome cameras are the best. How does a DSLR rank against this though?

In terms of a telescope, should I be looking at one with a specific aperture range? If so, are there any other properties I should be looking at?

Is a grating better than a prism? Why?

What software is the most effective and easiest to use?

Do I need some sort of focusing device?

2. How do you collect spectral data using the technology?

Is it as simple as pointing at a star and recording the acquired data?

How long should I view the chosen star? Is it a photo or a video?

 

I would assume that these questions have been asked plenty of times, so any links to other forums which discuss the same questions and topics I am raising will be very helpful as well.

Any type of reply is welcome. As an amateur, anything is helpful.

 

Looking forward to discussing this with you all.

 

Monte.

 

 

 

[Tomatobro]

Go to the British Astronomical Association Website and look for recent webinars. There was an excellent talk on spectroscopy recently and its well worth a look.

BAA Weekly Webinar - From Kitchens to Comets - Hunting for molecules with a spectroscope

Edited May 26, 2020 by Tomatobro
update

[MonteTheMagnificent]

Thank you for the commendation Tomato, I appreciate it.

[Tomatobro]

I updated the information for you.

[robin_astro]

Also the spectroscopy resources page on the BAA website

https://britastro.org/node/19378

For example my NLO workshop presentations which cover producing spectra using both the simple slitless Star Analyser grating and an ALPY 600 slit spectrograph

https://www.britastro.org/downloads/15701

[MonteTheMagnificent]

Thank you Robin, appreciate it.

[robin_astro]

The manuals which go with the Star Analyser and ALPY also have some useful general information on how to record and process spectra

https://www.patonhawksley.com/resources

https://www.shelyak.com/produit/alpy-600/?lang=en