The Colour of Light - A talk on astronomical spectroscopy

by Steve Broadbent BSc FRAS

*** Tickets (for a modest donation) will be available to non-members after 7th February via the Eventbrite link ***

About the Presentation: The talk will introduce the principles of spectroscopy with some simple theory and go on to show some examples in astronomy of what can be measured using the technique.

The talk will end with a demonstration showing how the spectrum of an obscure planetary nebula can be analysed to give its elemental composition.

About the Speaker: Steve Broadbent is Chairman of Hampshire Astronomical Group, a member of the BAA and elected a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2014.

He is retired from the University of Portsmouth. Initially a chemist, Steve undertook research into reaction mechanisms. He ran a spectroscopy laboratory and lectured in computational chemistry and programming. Latterly he moved into computer systems management.

Steve mentors final year BSc Students from the University of Portsmouth whilst they are undertaking final year projects related to astronomy or the equipment at the Clanfield Observatory. He is a member of the observatory instrument team and of the training team which offers instruction on the use of all the telescope facilities at the observatory.

Steve regularly gives talks to the Hampshire Astronomical Group including "Constellation of the Month" as well as talks on specific interest areas such as astronomical spectroscopy and individual astronomical observatories. He is an experienced speaker at observatory public open evenings, and Vectis Astronomical Society is pleased to welcome him back for this virtual / online presentation.

About Vectis Astronomical Society: VAS meets on the 4th Friday of every month, except for December. This event is open for non-members to attend. The speakers come from all over the country and give a presentation for around 45 minutes, with a chance for questions and answers afterwards.