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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
Shelyak Prism 3.8° for the Star Analyser

Shelyak Prism 3.8° for the Star Analyser

by Shelyak
SKU SHK-OP0094
$82.00 - $82.00
$82.00
$82.00 - $82.00
$82.00
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  • 3.8° prism angle precisely calculated for the Star Analyser
  • Improves spectral resolution by approximately 20%
  • Achieves a resolving power of R~130
  • Corrects optical coma inherent in converging beam setups
  • Optimized for advanced applications like nova and supernova characterization
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Prism 3.8° for the Star Analyser

    The Shelyak Prism 3.8° for the Star Analyser is an optical enhancement designed to increase its resolving power by approximately 20%. This accessory corrects for coma inherent in the Star Analyser's simple design, pushing its performance to a resolving power of R~130. By adding this 3.8° prism, you can extract more detailed spectral data from your existing setup.

    Correct Coma and Boost Resolution by 20% to R~130

    The Star Analyser's effectiveness comes from its simplicity—placing a diffraction grating directly into a telescope's converging light path. However, this introduces optical coma, which can soften spectral lines. The 3.8° Prism is specifically calculated to counteract this aberration, resulting in a sharper spectrum and an approximate 20% improvement in resolving power, achieving R~130.

    Is the 3.8° Prism Necessary for Your Spectroscopy?

    This prism is not a requirement for everyone. If you are using the Star Analyser to explore the basics of spectroscopy, the standard configuration is more than sufficient. However, if your goal is to push the instrument to its analytical limits for scientific contribution—such as characterizing the spectral evolution of novae or supernovae—this 3.8° prism is an essential upgrade.

  • What is the main purpose of the Prism 3.8° for the Star Analyser?

    The primary purpose of the 3.8° Prism is to improve the optical quality and resolution of spectra produced by a Star Analyser grating. It specifically corrects for coma, an aberration introduced when the grating is placed in a converging telescope beam, boosting resolution by about 20% to R~130.

    How does the 3.8° Prism for the Star Analyser improve resolution?

    The prism works by pre-correcting the light path before it reaches the diffraction grating. Its 3.8° wedge angle is precisely calculated to cancel out the coma that the simple, in-beam placement of the Star Analyser would otherwise create. This results in sharper, better-defined spectral lines and therefore higher effective resolution.

    Do I need this 3.8° Prism if I'm just starting with spectroscopy?

    No, this prism is generally not necessary for beginners. The standard Star Analyser is an excellent tool for learning and discovering spectroscopy. This 3.8° prism is an upgrade for users who want to push the Star Analyser to its maximum performance for more demanding applications, like pro-am collaborations.

    Can I use the 3.8° Prism to study the spectrum of a bright supernova like SN 2023ixf?

    Yes, this is an ideal application. Characterizing novae and supernovae is a key use case for this prism. The increased resolution to R~130 allows for better identification and monitoring of spectral features as the event evolves, providing more valuable scientific data than the Star Analyser could achieve on its own.

    What kind of optical aberration does the Prism 3.8° correct in my f/8 SCT?

    The prism is designed to correct for coma that is introduced by the Star Analyser itself, not the telescope. When you place the grating in the converging f/8 light cone of your SCT, coma is created. The 3.8° Prism is engineered to minimize this specific aberration, leading to a cleaner spectrum regardless of your telescope's native optical quality.

    Will the 3.8° Prism for the Star Analyser change how I process my spectra?

    The prism does not fundamentally change the data acquisition or processing workflow. You will still capture and calibrate your spectra using the same software (like Demetra). The primary difference will be in the final result: you will start with a sharper raw image, allowing for a more precise and higher-resolution final spectral profile.

  • Shelyak 1-Year Warranty