Broadband Low-Resolution Spectrograph - SpectrumMate LR

TL;DR

SpectrumMate LR is an affordable, low-resolution spectrograph designed for small telescopes, enabling amateur astronomers and educators to perform spectral analysis across the visible spectrum.

Contribution

It introduces a cost-effective, versatile spectrograph optimized for educational and amateur astronomy applications, filling a niche in accessible spectroscopy.

Findings

Successfully classifies stars by spectral type

Measures stellar temperatures accurately

Validates capability to observe celestial and terrestrial sources

Abstract

This paper presents the development and application of SpectrumMate LR, a broadband, low-resolution spectrograph for small telescope use. SpectrumMate LR is designed to offer affordable, accessible spectroscopic capabilities for amateur astronomers and educators, inspired by the need for versatile instruments in amateur and educational settings. Utilising a 300 grooves/mm grating, 80 mm collimator and objective lenses, SpectrumMate LR is optimised to perform analyses across the visible spectrum, enabling users to classify stars by spectral type, measure stellar temperatures, and test filter transmission ranges. Tests demonstrate SpectrumMate LR's ability to capture accurate spectral data, validating its efficacy in observing both celestial and terrestrial light sources. This instrument fills a niche for cost-effective spectroscopy, empowering a broader audience to engage in detailed observational astronomy.