Low Resolution Spectral Atlas for Amateur Astronomers
Demystifying spectroscopy for beginners
Anthony S. Harding Jr. and Scott P. Donnell
Prepared over a period of almost two years as a training resource for the AAVSO Spectroscopy Section, the Low Resolution Spectral Atlas for Amateur Astronomers provides both a theoretical framework and a practical guide to the use of low-resolution spectroscopy with the Star Analyser 100 and 200 transmission gratings.
The theoretical sections describe the physical origins of spectral features and their significance in stellar analysis. The practical chapters outline, in a clear step-by-step manner, the equipment and observing techniques employed in the Atlas, offering beginners a structured path into the field.
Annotated examples of stellar spectra are presented, covering types from the hottest O-class stars to the coolest M-class stars. Each example is accompanied by relevant astrophysical data to demonstrate the relationship between stellar properties and spectral characteristics.
The Atlas is made freely available to the amateur spectroscopy community and may be distributed without restriction, providing newcomers with a dependable reference against which to compare their own work.
Download with this link.