Hi all,
I have a quick question regarding the usefulness of low-resolution spectroscopy for T CrB.
I’m currently observing T Coronae Borealis using a simple setup (SA100 + prism, ~R 100–130). I recently submitted a spectrum which was accepted. The data are wavelength-calibrated but not flux-calibrated. I’m applying some light binning to improve SNR and focusing on reproducibility rather than absolute calibration.
My main analysis approach is tracking Hα relative to a locally defined continuum (fixed regions left/right of the line, linear normalization), so I can monitor potential changes over time.
I’m aware that several observers are contributing much higher resolution spectra (R~1000+), which naturally contain far more detailed information.
So my question is:
Do spectra like mine (low resolution, not flux calibrated, focused on relative measurements such as Hα behavior) provide meaningful value for T CrB monitoring, or are they largely redundant given the availability of higher resolution data?
More specifically:
- Is a consistent low-resolution time series useful in practice?
- Are such data actually used (e.g. for detecting variability, confirming trends, filling temporal gaps)?
- Or would you recommend focusing effort elsewhere if high-resolution coverage is already present?
Thanks in advance for any insights – I’m trying to understand where this kind of data actually fits in.
Clear skies!