Identifying Absorption Lines in Blue Sky and Solar Spectra

Spectroscopic analysis is one of the cornerstones of astronomical research. By observing how the spectra of different astronomical objects behave, we can make grand conclusions about the nature of our universe. The solar spectrum is full of minute details which hint to the underlying physical processes and composition of the sun. In this lab, we will make spectroscopic measurements of the blue sky as a substitute for the solar spectrum. We will then identify different emission lines within our spectrum to infer the solar chromosphere’s composition.

Lab Resources

You can also print the E490 Spectrum from this image!

Installing the StellarNet BLUE-Wave VIS-50 on your PC

Spectrum Plotting Tutorial

Procedural Pictures