Need ideas for solar/atmospheric experiment

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  • Thread starter Thread starter lalligagger
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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on a solar spectrograph project undertaken by a team of undergraduate students from physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science, sponsored by NASA. The team is tasked with observing absorption lines in the visible spectrum and developing experimental tasks within a budget of $2000 for a standalone, ground-based device. They seek innovative ideas for experiments that can be conducted using the spectrograph aimed at the sun, with a focus on maximizing scientific output while adhering to budget constraints.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of solar spectroscopy techniques
  • Familiarity with optical systems and spectrograph design
  • Knowledge of absorption lines in the visible spectrum
  • Basic principles of experimental physics and data analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Research solar spectroscopy methods and applications
  • Explore the design and functionality of ground-based spectrographs
  • Investigate techniques for measuring radial velocity curves
  • Learn about budget management for scientific experiments
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for undergraduate physics students, optical engineers, and anyone involved in experimental design related to solar observations and spectroscopy.

lalligagger
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I am a physics undergrad (senior) with an interest in optics participating with three other undergrads (ME, EE, and CS) in a solar spectrograph build. It is a pilot program sponsored by NASA that will hopefully turn into a national competition.
In addition to observing as many absorption lines (in the visible) as we are able to, we are being asked to come up with our own experimental tasks to fulfill. This is intentionally open-ended. I have gotten a variety of ideas from my professors but would like to hear more. Our budget is $2000 and it will be a standalone, ground-based device. If we want to use a commercial telescope it has to come out of our budget. So what kind of cool science would you do with a spectrograph pointed at the sun? Thanks for any input in advance, the sooner we figure this part out the sooner we get to design and build it!
 
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Get a radial velocity curve?
 

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