Observation by Kevin Gurney: Redshift in quasar 3C 273
Uploaded by
Kevin Gurney
Observer
Kevin Gurney
Observed
2017 Mar 25 - 03:05
Uploaded
2017 Mar 30 - 20:46
Objects
Spectrum
Constellation
Hercules
Equipment
- Celestron 8SE
- Alpy 600
- Atik 630EX
- AZ-EQ6
- 0.63 FR
Exposure
3 x 10min subs
Location
West Sheffield
Target name
3C 273
Title
Redshift in quasar 3C 273
About this image
3C 273 is a quasar at around 2.5GLy away with a published redshift of 0.15. Since learning to use the Alpy spectrograph I have wanted to observe the cosmological redshift of a distant object, and this quasar is a classic 'testbed' for doing this as I believe its the brightest of its type. However, it was a challenge for me because, at mag 13.0, in West Sheffield suburbia, the signal in the spectrum was getting lost in the skyglow lines. I eventually got something useable after binning at 2x2 (trying 4x4 next time).
Comparison of the smoothed spectrum with professional data shows (I think) a reasonably good match of the main features and my estimated redshift was close to that reported there.
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Comments
Well done and who would have thought this was possible with amatuer equipment
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