The majority of amateur astronomers have probably not even considered making any spectroscopic observations, but it is an immensely rewarding part of the hobby; the cost of the required hardware (a diffraction grating) is no more than that of a reasonable eyepiece, whilst software is readily available to process one’s spectra. In the United States, Tom Field has produced an exceptionally user-friendly piece of software called ‘RSpec’, and his Web site includes a set of video tutorials to show one how to use it. It is possible to run a full specification trial version for 30 days. A freeware program, ‘Visual Spectrum’, is also available.

Almost any camera can be used to capture spectra, and the use of DSLRs, webcams and CCD cameras will be covered here. By simply screwing the grating into an eyepiece, one can even observe the spectra of some bright stars visually. I really do hope that this chapter encourages many more amateurs to have a try!