Stars and Stellar Spectra Lab

Student Name
Submission Date
Week 6 Observations: Stars and Stellar Spectra Lab
Purpose(s) of Lab:
The purpose of the lab was to observe a set of stellar spectra using telescopes at IVC and notice the differences in brightness, color, and visual spectra of the stars. Students were expected to take careful notes about the equipment and procedure used to create the images and sketch them as well. Captured images were shared with students via Canvas to be included in their Lab Report.
Apparatus used in the Lab:
The following apparatus in the IVC ‘Dark Site’:
The Celestron CPC1100 11inch telescope with the Mallincam DS10cTEC camera and an attached large monitor.
A SA100 ‘Star Analyzer’ diffraction grating that creates an absorption-line spectra will be used to create a spectra.
The RSpec software application is used to create line graph spectra.
Procedure
The telescope, camera, computer, and large monitor setup were described to students. They took notes and used those to describe the setup in the Lab Report under the Procedure Section.
The procedure was conducted outside on the “IVC Dark Site” using a Meade 12 inch telescope with the R2 camera and then projected on a large monitor for all students to see. Using the eyepiece and telescope an absorption line spectral was created using a SA100 ‘Star Analyzer’ diffraction grating. Students observed the monitor and took notes of their findings with a sketch of the Stellar Spectra. A total of five stars were observed; Betelgeuse (M2 Is Spectral Class), Rigel (B8 Ia Spectral Class), Sirius (A1 V Spectra Type), R Leporis (C7 Spectral Class), and UU Aurigae (C5 Spectral Type). The time the each of the stars was observed was noted, including other details such as the brightness and color of the stars. Secondly, detailed sketches were made as observed on the monitor, noting the absorption of the lines, peak color, general shape of the spectra, and any comments made by the Prof. during the experiment.
Observ...