Why Spectroscopy?

Twinkle, twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are...

We know a lot about what stars are made of, what goes on inside them and what will happen to them. Almost all this knowledge comes from spectroscopy, the study of spectra and the interaction between matter and radiation.

Spectroscopy is vitally important in professional astronomy but can also be undertaken by amateur astronomers, either for personal interest or as part of a professional/amateur collaboration.

The Shelyak series of high-quality spectrographs and spectroscopes has been designed specifically for amateurs and will enable you to observe and record the spectra of many stars and other objects, opening up a wide range of projects. Solar observation can be undertaken without a telescope but a telescope is needed to study other stars.

Equipment ranges from the simple Star Analyser to the highly sophisticated echelle spectrograph called 'eShel'. For more information on the spectrographs, their use, and spectroscopy in general visit Shelyak's web site. (Available in English and French)

Spectra can be recorded using the same cameras used for normal imaging such as web cams, CCDs and DSLRs.

You can dowload VSPEC free software for processing webcam spectra from this web site:
http://astrosurf.com/vdesnoux/
Alternatively, you can purchase RSPEC software which is reputed to be easier to use. Find it on this web site:
http://www.rspec-astro.com/
Both sites contain lots of useful information.

Star Analyser 100 Ref: PH-PF0003

PATON HAWKSLEY

The Star Analyser 100 is a high efficiency 100 lines/mm transmission diffraction grating, blazed in the first order. It is mounted in a standard 1.25 inch diameter threaded cell, to be compatible with most telescopes and accessories.

It has been designed to make the production of low resolution spectrum images of a wide range of point-like astronomical objects as easy as possible. It complements a wide range of types of camera used in astro-imaging. It can however also be adapted for visual use. A locking ring is also supplied to lock the grating in the desired orientation.

For help and advice on using the Star Analyser you can visit this user group:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/staranalyser/

Price: £87.00 (Including VAT at 20%)

Adjustable Spacers for Star Analyser (7-10mm) Ref: PH-SPACERS

You may need to adjust the spacing between the Star Analyser and camera for best results; this set of spacers is designed to do this.

Price: £7.50 (Including VAT at 20%)

Examples of Spectra taken through a Star Analyser 100

Vega Spectrum (by Robin Leadbeater)

Vega Spectrum
Delta Virginis Spectrum (by Robin Leadbeater)

A simple webcam is enough to record bright star spectra. The spectra above were recorded with an 8'' f/9 telescope and a Philips ToUCam Pro webcam. Star image (zero order) is on the left while the spectra spread from violet to infra-red. Some absorption lines are visible.

Ring Nebula and Snowball Spectra

The design of the Star Analyser 100 allows you to take spectra of deep sky objects such as diffuse nebulae (where gas gives birth to stars) and planetary nebulae (remains of dead stars). These examples (by Chris Baddiley) show how bright the nebulae are at OIII and H-alpha wavelengths.

Shelyak Lhires Lite Spectroscope Ref: SH-PF0002

SHELYAK

Shelyak designed the Lhires Lite spectroscope based on their own experience in scientific outreach making it ideal for clubs, schools and colleges, as well as for personal use. It is robust, easy to use and completely safe. Attach it directly to a photographic tripod and it is ready to use on any sunny day to show the solar spectrum in detail.

Show your audience the solar spectrum as they have never seen it before. The sodium doublet is well split with a forest of lines everywhere. Explain how professional astronomers use the same technique to measure stellar composition, temperature and pressure.

Supplied complete with hard case and comprehensive manual containing instructions, theory, history and some suggested exercises to help understand the instrument, spectroscopy and the Sun.

* resolution of 0.025nm (blue) to 0.035nm (red)
* adjustable eyepiece holder
* gnomon to safely point toward the Sun
* easy wavelength selection
* changeable scale
* activity booklet included

Price: £995.00 (Including VAT at 20%)

Shelyak Lhires III Spectrograph Ref: SH-ES0002

SHELYAK

Lhires III is a very high resolution spectrograph designed for amateur and educational astronomy. Numerous projects are within its reach and it is frequently used for professional/amateur collaborations.

The Lhires III spectrograph was designed for small telescopes (typically 8" f/10 telescopes) so is perfectly adapted for backyard astronomy. Use it with several types of CCD, webcam, or DSLR cameras to record your own spectra.

Lhires III is very versatile and has an active user community. Alternative gratings and accessories are available to increase its capability and it is very popular with university teaching groups.

Main characteristics:

Littrow design
Résolution (dl/l) of 17000 around Ha
0.012nm dispersion (with 9µm pixels)
Optimised for f/10 instruments
Adaptable to all types of instruments
Several detectors can be mounted: CCD camera, SLR camera, webcam
Mirror slit for precise guiding
Light: 3.7lbs
Compact: 9.8 x 7.9 x 3.3 inches

Price: £2,450.00 (Including VAT at 20%)

Shelyak LISA Visual Spectrograph Ref: SH-PF0021VIS

SHELYAK

LISA is a low-resolution high-luminosity spectrograph operating at f/5, with resolving power R from ~600-1000. This is the basic module for visible wavelengths between 400 and 700nm).

Main characteristics:

Collimator F=130mm (f/5)
Custom objective F=88mm f/(2.4)
Resolving Power R ~600-1000
Wavelength Range 400-700nm (Visible)
Infra-Red option available (650nm-1µm)
Slit 15/19/23/35µm
Weight: 1.4kg
Telescope interface M42 (T-standard), 41mm backfocus

Price: £2,285.00 (Including VAT at 20%)

Shelyak LISA Near Infra-Red Spectrograph Ref: SH-PF0021IR

SHELYAK

LISA is a low-resolution high-luminosity spectrograph operating at f/5, with resolving power R from ~600-1000. This is the basic module for near infra-red wavelengths between 650 and 1000nm).

Main characteristics:

Collimator F=130mm (f/5)
Custom objective F=88mm f/(2.4)
Resolving Power R ~600-1000
Wavelength Range 650nm-1µm (Near IR)
Slit 15/19/23/35µm
Weight: 1.4kg
Telescope interface M42 (T-standard), 41mm backfocus

Price: £2,574.00 (Including VAT at 20%)

Shelyak eShel - Complete Echelle Spectrograph Package with Calibration Module and Guide Camera Ref: SH-ES0007

SHELYAK

Shelyak's eShel Spectrograph is the complete echelle spectroscopy solution for astronomical projects. It is based on their strong experience in spectroscopy (with design and manufacturing of the Lhires III and Lhires Lite) and nights of observations including with the MuSiCoS & Narval spectrographs. This practical experience helped them to design a robust and productive solution in the field.

This package includes:

Fibre-fed Echelle Spectrograph
Thorium-Argon Calibration Unit
50 micron Object Fibre
200 micron Calibration Fibre
Watec 120N+ Guide Camera with Wireless Control
All Cables and Power Supplies

Price: £11,850.00 (Including VAT at 20%)

A Spectroscopic Atlas of Bright Stars Ref: b1441907041

SPRINGER

This book shows that spectroscopy is no longer the exclusive preserve of the professional astronomer. The Spectroscopic Atlas of Bright Stars shows what can be achieved with relatively modest equipment and is intended to encourage beginners to try spectroscopy for themselves.

Price: £24.99