Spectroscopy of the Solar System

Joseph Martin '04

Advisor: Dr. Thomas Balonek

Spectra from solar system objects are taken with Colgate’s Optomechanics Model 10C Grating Spectrograph using a 240g grating and the Star 1 CCD camera.  Preliminary calibration techniques are introduced for the system.  Spectra of Jupiter, Ganymede, Callisto, the Moon, and the daytime sky are presented.  Many of the problems that arise when  attempting to reduce spectra are identified. Some   results and opportunities for future study are presented.