Amateur Spectrography Workshop OHP 2026
Observatoire de Haute-Provence — August 4 to 9, 2026
You own a spectrograph and want to go further? This workshop is designed to help you take the next step and produce scientifically exploitable results.
It is organized by STAROS, with the support of the API ProAm funds – Action Pluriannuelle Incitative of the Observatoire de Paris (OBSPM-PSL).
The workshop takes place in an exceptional setting, both prestigious and welcoming.
What is it ?
This workshop is aimed at spectrograph owners who wish to improve their skills with the goal of producing results of scientific quality. Note that it is still possible to come without equipment.
Prerequisites
Participants must be proficient in the following:
- Polar alignment of their mount
- Pointing and centering a stellar target on a spectrograph slit
- Using their acquisition and autoguiding software
The spoken language is French.
Equipment and software
The workshop is based on the Star'Ex spectrograph (high and low resolution), the CCD Ciel acquisition software (free) and the SpecINTI processing software (free). It is of course possible to use other spectrographs and software, but no specific support will be provided for these configurations.
The workshops aim to provide participants with all the keys to mastering the entire spectroscopic chain, from data acquisition to contribution to Pro-Am programs. During nighttime sessions, instructors will guide you to optimize your settings, analyze potential defects, and improve the quality of your observations.
This workshop will also be an opportunity to discover the latest developments, both in software and hardware (including TinyStar'Ex, etc.).
Example of a training day
- 11:30 AM – Mini-conference: remote observing (to be confirmed)
- 12:15 PM – Lunch
- 2:00 PM – Night debrief
- 2:30 PM – Focus on… spectral calibration
- 3:15 PM – Workshop: processing the night’s data
- 4:15 PM – Break
- 4:45 PM – Free time for processing, adjustments
- 5:45 PM – Conference: the Be star observation program
- 6:45 PM – Free time
- 7:15 PM – Dinner
- 10:00 PM – Organized tour of 3-4 instrument setups, in small groups
- 11:00 PM – Observations…
Accommodations
You can stay in comfortable rooms inside the observatory, single or double, or you can choose to stay outside the observatory (to be arranged on your own). Meals are shared on site.
The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, under the song of the cicadas. It may also be an opportunity to extend your OHP experience by discovering before or after the course. Read this testimonial, for example : My experience of the spectro 2023 internship
Prices
Prices (meals included):
- Single room: €670 (limited availability)
- Double room: €583
- Without accommodation: €431
- 50% discount for students
As places are limited, priority will be given to first-time participants.
Where to register ?
You can download the pre-registration form by clicking on the following link: Download the pre-registration form.
For any additional information: team@staros-projects.org.
After validation of your application, a payment link will be sent to you.
« This internship is supported by the API ProAm funds – Action Pluriannuelle Incitative of the Observatoire de Paris (OBSPM-PSL) »
See you soon at the Haute-Provence Observatory !
The STAROS Team.