A somewhat rare occurrence in the local universe is a supernova. A supernova is the end stage of a star, typically when the star gravitationally collapses due to exhausting the matter that it is fusing within it. Stars are quite the balancing act, as the energy released by the fusion… Continue Reading... "Supernova in M101"
On my spectral analysis of a quasar project, I had cheated by already knowing the redshift of the quasar from professional research, and was able to reverse-discover what elements should be in my spectrum. It led me to wonder how I might discover the elements in my spectra naturally. The… Continue Reading... "Galactic Redshift Script"
It’s time to get serious with my spectroscopy. 🙂 Introduction With the moon full but very low in the sky, this is the perfect time to challenge myself by capturing and analysing a quasar. A quasar, short for quasi-stellar, is basically an extremely bright galaxy that is powered by the… Continue Reading... "Spectral Analysis of a Quasar"
The brightest emission nebula in the sky, Messier 42, was a great target to test extended object spectroscopy with my new ALPY 600. I set the telescope to track the core, just off the Trapezium, and the science camera to take 12 exposures of 100 seconds each. Emission nebulae are… Continue Reading... "Emission Nebula Spectrum"
I tell ya, astronomy is just one of those quicksand hobbies that you just can’t escape! I have begun my journey in astronomical spectroscopy. I recently acquired a Shelyak ALPY 600 with guiding module. I was graced with a very clear night a few nights ago. The moon was almost… Continue Reading... "The Spectra of Notable Brumal Stars"
