Stargazing Where to buy telescope that measures spectrum?

AI Thread Summary
For those interested in astrophysics and astronomical spectroscopy, it's crucial to understand that the detector is often more important than the telescope itself when measuring spectra. Beginners are encouraged to start with basic spectroscopy using affordable materials, such as acrylic prisms or DIY spectrometers made from everyday items. The discussion highlights the need for practical experience in astronomy and suggests starting with simple light sources before attempting to measure stellar spectra. Budget considerations are also emphasized, as many effective tools can be sourced inexpensively. Ultimately, attaching a spectrometer to a telescope is necessary for capturing the spectrum of distant stars.
Duo Tao
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Hi,

I am going into the field of astrophysics and I am going to make my career a hobby, too.

I want to buy a telescope that can measure the spectrum with CCD (astronomical spectroscopy) in a range of several hundreds of light years (like the Big Dipper). Does anyone know where can I get it?

Much appreciated.
 
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Duo Tao said:
I am going into the field of astrophysics and I am going to make my career a hobby, too.

I want to buy a telescope that can measure the spectrum with CCD (astronomical spectroscopy) in a range of several hundreds of light years (like the Big Dipper). Does anyone know where can I get it?
I'm having trouble parsing this question.

1. What does distance have to do with anything?
2. Isn't the detector what you are really looking for, not the telescope? Seems to me the telescope is less important...

And:
3. Have you done any astronomy? What equipment are you currently using?
4. What is your budget?
 
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I would start with plain spectroscopy. Measure the spectrum of a light source. The detector needs to work in the frequency range you are interested in. Isaac Newton started with sunlight as a source and looked at visible light using his eyes as a detector. You can get an acrylic glass prism on Amazon for under $10.

You can cut a diffraction grating out off a dvd. Use your i-phone or web cam as a detector. There are also transmissive diffraction lens slides also for less than $10 from amazon or e-bay. Avoid the diffraction lens designed for ravers that make weird shapes, cheaper might be better. This wired article shows how to make a spectrometer using a cereal box.

To get spectrum of a star you need to attach the spectrometer to the eyepiece of a telescope.
 
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