How do I properly plot the solar spectrum and handle the flux of Arcturus?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around plotting the solar spectrum using provided data, specifically focusing on the relationship between solar flux, Arcturus flux, and wavelength. Participants explore the challenges of visualizing a large dataset and the potential need for normalization or other adjustments to improve clarity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how to incorporate the flux of Arcturus into their solar spectrum plot, questioning whether it serves as a calibration standard.
  • Another participant suggests that the data may already be normalized and recommends adjusting the x-axis length or plotting subsections for better visibility.
  • A different participant proposes applying a smoothing filter to the spectrum to reduce noise while retaining important features.
  • There is mention of complex spectral lines, specifically the Ca H and K lines, indicating a need for further research into their structure.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on how to handle the Arcturus flux or the best approach to improve the plot's clarity. Multiple competing views remain regarding normalization and data presentation techniques.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the normalization of the data and the specific characteristics of the spectral lines being analyzed. The discussion also highlights potential limitations in the dataset's presentation and the need for further exploration of the spectral features.

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TL;DR
I'm to plot the solar spectrum from some data files I'm given and locate and mark on my plot various types of spectral lines
I'm trying to plot the solar spectrum (Wavelength versus Flux) from a table of values I'm given. I'm given 3 columns;

Solar Flux
Arcturus Flux
Wavelength

Plotting Solar Flux versus Wavelength gives me a graph (below) that is very difficult to resolve. There are 21,000 data points as well.
If I'm plotting the solar spectrum however; I'm confused what to do with the flux of Arcturus. Is it a calibration standard?
My plot looks like what is shown below; it is difficult to resolve. Perhaps I need to normalize?

Plot.png
I would like something more like this; (it appears I need to flip my plot as well)

Screenshot (130).png


The F/Fc axis for the second image seems like the flux is normalized to a continuum(?).
 
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The data looks to be already normalised. I don't think you need do anything with the Arcturus spectra. To see what's going on better increase the length of the x-axis or plot subsections.

Given where they are they look like tha Ca H and K lines which are very complex. You would think need to research these lines and their structure.

Regards Andrew

PS I have replied to two other post of yours but never got a reply. Hint.
 
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andrew s 1905 said:
PS I have replied to two other post of yours but never got a reply. Hint.
Clicking on the user name gives "this user's profile is unavailable". I'm afraid I think that means you won't get a reply to this one either...
 
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You could pass a smoothing filter over the spectrum to smooth it a bit if it appears noisy. The features you're interested in will still be apparent and it would probably look a lot more like the examples given.
 

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