A Story of Spectroscopy: How Stellar Composition is Made Clear through Deceptively Simple Tools (Abstract)

Volume 47 number 2 (2019)

Julien da Silva

RASC

Abstract

(Abstract only) Astronomy’s unique position as both an empirical science and an accessible one, casting a wide net for individuals to engage with the material. In this talk, I would like to propose spectroscopy to be added to the list of ways astronomy can be communicated to the public. I will speak about my experience working with spectroscopy on the analysis of stellar composition as a student at John Abbott College in Astronomy. Furthermore, I will talk about the benefits of integrating stellar spectroscopy into public outreach events, the deceptive simplicity of the spectroscopy process through a program called rspec, and potential methods of incorporating stellar spectroscopy into public outreach.