2000
August 5 - delta Scorpii - series of low-res spectra [4nm
- 2.2nm/pixel] principally of delta Sco reported recently to have brightened
unexpectedly and showing spectral changes from its classified B0 type.
Although Scorpius is exceptional low in the sky from WPO, spectra of delta
Sco shows a possible emission lines of hydrogen [H-alpha and helium [He]
with spectra of adjacent beta Sco [type B1] and alpha Sco [type M1.5 =
Antares] used for comparison. Telluric lines A, a , B are very strong
in all three spectra due to their low altitude but there is a hint of additional
absorption
bands within delta Sco's spectrum as well.
Star at -29 degrees Dec - As a further experiment - the spectrum of a red M-type mag 7 star [GSC 6871:647] obtained with an altitude of about 5o above my local southern horizon at a record-breaking minus declination [for WPO!] of -29o 38'.
Some test spectra of Vega and Altair to ~ 1nm/pixel [11A/pixel] dispersion using the Rainbow grating before the CCD. Due to coma and curvature-of-field, the complete spectrum cannot be in focus at the same time - the red end has been forfeited. Brevity of sub-one sec exposures may be erroneous.
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