Nu Gem - First Post to Forum

[AndyWilson]

Hi,
I'm fairly new to spectroscopy. Though I've been reading up on spectroscopy for several years, I've only been taking spectra since the end of last year and since then I've been gradually trying to improve my technique.
Attached is a high resolution spectra of the Be star Nu Gem (HD 45542) that I took last night. I processed it using ISIS and I used a spectrum I'd taken of Castor for instrumental and atmospheric correction, though I left in the telluric lines. I used BASS to create the final plot as I'm more familiar with it. I'm hoping that I'm nearing the stage where I can start to submit my Be spectra to the BeSS database.
Equipment was an LHIRESIII (2400 l/mm grating and 0.019 mm slit), Meade 14", Starlight Xpress SXVR-H694.
I find locating stars accurately quite tricky with the long focal length of the Meade 14", so I'm considering downsizing to a 10" scope for a shorter focal length and a more robust optical stability. I've been running the numbers through the "etcl" spreadsheet which suggests I'd only loose around 5%-15% SNR for most applications, and I am thinking I might gain this back with increased productivity.
Best wishes,
Andy