Spectroscopy and The Sun?

[Poita]

Can anyone point to any experiments that a class could do with a Star Analyser 100 in regards to The Sun.
We need an astronomical Spectroscopy project that could be carried out during the day, (by a class of 15 year olds) using the SA-100 and a mono or colour CCD (DMK21 or DBK21) with or without a telescope.

Any help appreciated.

[sheeny]

G'Day Peter,

You could try reflecting the sun off a needle to act as a slit, and have the SA100 mounted in front of a camera lens on the webcam of your choice. The colour camera will probably have more wow factor on the screen.

I recommend you practice it before you attempt in front of the class. Focus and juggling a needle slit can be challenging.

Enjoy!

Al.

[Rob_K]

Hi Peter - yeah, I agree with Al, a simple needle spectrograph. Here's a set-up I used, although it was with a DSLR & Star Analyser. The attachment is a sketch of the 'apparatus'. :rolleyes: :lol: This link is to my full-frame shot:
http://i727.photobucket.com/albums/ww271/Rob_Kau/IMG_7515sm.jpg

This link is to the result with various Fraunhofer absorption lines identified (click to enlarge):
http://i727.photobucket.com/albums/ww271/Rob_Kau/Spectrum25May2011comp.jpg

I suppose the project would be to identify chemical elements in the Sun's atmosphere from the spectrum.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraunhofer_lines

Hope this helps. :thumbsup:

Cheers -

[Merlin66]

David Howarth has a neat variation on the reflective needle...
http://www.stargazing.net/david/spectroscopy/SimpleNeedleSpectroscope.html

If this is set up and a 80mm+ camera lens fitted with a SA100 imaged on the spectrum you'll get some "Ohhhh Ahhhh" images.

The other alternative is a pencil sharpener slit (blutack etc) in a box, long enough to allow say a 50-80mm camera lens to focus on it.
Illuminate the slit from the Sun, and again use the SA100 on the lens....

[Poita]

Thanks so much everyone, I've got a week to practice, so I'll be trying them all!