Abstract:
This study was an attempt to determine the temperature of select stellar bodies. Spectral data was to be obtained using a compensated vacuum thermocouple, a 10-inch Newtonian reflector, a current galvanometer, and select filters. Effective temperatures were to be calculated using the spectral data collected, Planck's radiation law, and bolometric theory. No stellar radiation measurements were taken because the galvanometer was not sensitive enough to detect current produced by the thermocouple when it was illuminated by stellar radiation.After the unsuccessful attempt to measure stellar radiation data was collected for radiation from 0.8425 of the radius of the sun's disk. Ratios for the intensity of radiation for three spectral components was found as follows; 0.48 for λ = 0.43 μ (blue ); 1.35 for λ = 0.525 μ (green); 0.88 for λ = 0.825 μ (red-infrared). water cell radiation measurements were also taken to provide relative energy information. The water cell measurements show that the sun transmits approximately 51% of its energy in the visible an ultraviolet spectrum.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306