I have prepared an observing list for spectral stars (N=325) with GOTO references for the Meade LX200 handbox and partially for Celestron handboxes. The main difference between this list and other similar lists is that ids are cross-referenced to SAO and GCVS catalogues for GOTO slewing. The list consists of 325 bright stars observable from 41 N latitude and major stars referenced in Kaler's 100 Greatest Stars (2002) and Kaler's Stars and the Spectra (1997). The purpose of this list is to support star party presentations with respect to star types and use of simple visual diffraction grating spectroscopes like the Rainbow Optics grating. The list is available in html and pdf formats: http://fisherka.csolutionshosting.net/astronote/plan/SpecGOTO/SpectralGotoTo... http://fisherka.csolutionshosting.net/astronote/plan/SpecGOTO/SpectralGoToTo... For H-R diagram related star party presentations, generally I like to read excerpts from Kaler's 100 Greatest Stars. The goto cross-reference list is intended to have a simple hardcopy list that can be used to quicly locate spectral stars, principally of the A and M types. This list is also intended to support after-work pleasure observing under urban light polluted skies with diffraction gratings. In both instances, quick GOTO location of targets is important. Spectral observing is principally a photographic activity. Characteristics of visual spectra seen through simple diffraction gratings are too subtle for use in general public star party presentations. At best, comparisions between A class stars, which have distinct blue Balmer lines, and M class stars, which have an attenuated blue spectra and some faint molecular lines in the yellow and red portions of the spectra are useable. E.g. see Kaler's summary chart by class: http://stars.astro.illinois.edu/sow/ss-hco.jpg This list was developed from my personal observing list for a 41 North latitude observing point. Bright stars with known absolute masses were assembled from Garrison and Karmo. Mullany's Celestial Harvest was used identify other celestial spectral exceptional objects. The list was filled out the all major spectral stars discussed in Kaler's 100 Greatest Stars and his Stars and Their Spectra. This list was then cross-checked against FAAS and Malpas (which does not appear to be authoritative) and Tonkin. Inclusion of multiple stars was minimized but in some cases stars in multiple systems are included on the basis of completeness or showcase status, e.g. Izar. Where a star is part of multiple system, the separation of key stars is included. Most similar lists concentrate on the brightest stars with known MK types. These are the stars that produce easily seen visual spectra. The list draft and untested. Commments, corrections and criticisms are always appreciated. Clear Skies - Kurt References: Garrison, R.F. and Karmo, T. 2011. The Brightest Stars. In RASC 2010 Observer's Handbook. pp. 279-288. Royal Astron. Soc. of Canada. ISBN-13: 978-0-9813292-5-3. Kaler James [KalerStSp]. 1997. Stars and the Spectra. Cambridge Univ. Press. ISBN-13: 978-0521585705. Kaler, James [Kalernnn]. 2002. The One-Hundred Greatest Stars. Springer. ISBN-13: 978-0387954363. Kaler, James. 2010. Stars by Spectral Class. Website. http://www.astro.uiuc.edu/~kaler/sow/class.html (approx. 400 individual stars reviewed by spectral class) Forum of Amateur Astrospectroscopy (FAAS) and Malpas, B. 2010. Bright Star Spectral Index. http://users.erols.com/njastro/faas/pages/starcat.htm Robinson, Keith. 2007. Spectroscopy: The Key to the Stars: Reading the Lines in Stellar Spectra (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series). ISBN-13: 978-0387367866. Tonkin, Stephen F. 2002. Practical Amateur Spectroscopy. Springer. ISBN-13: 978-1852334895.
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