Astronomy

In the MUSK observatory,which belongs to the base, we will conduct a spectroscopy experiment. Spectroscopy is to analyze the light from celestial objects in order to know their composition. For this purpose, we will use an optical fiber to connect the telescope to the spectrometer that will be used for the measurements. A program will see the curve of the emission spectrum of the analyzed object. The data will be compared with the absorption lines of atoms and small molecules. We will conduct the first tests on the Moon and Jupiter and then we will look at the brightest stars visible this season and if it is high enough in the sky, we will try Mars and Saturn. Some of the stars expected to be obsreved are Sirius, Rigel, Procyon, Betelgeuse, Aldebaran, Capella, Pollux, Vega, Deneb,… On Earth, the atmosphere will interact with the signal send by astronomical object but on Mars the atmosphere is one hundred time less dense and will not interfere as much with the data. Furthermore, the MUSK observatory is equipped to make astrophotography and it’s planned to use this possibility. It allows to have pictures of the object analyzed and other beauties present in the sky. The equipment needed to experience lent and funded by the Institute for Space Aeronomy.