This grant supports the determination of optimum parameters for a digital stellar spectral atlas extending in wavelength to 1 micron, similar in its goals to the highly used Morgan-Keenan atlas. The spectra are to be planned for observation at the investigators' observatory using an 0.9 meter telescope. Stars have traditionally been observed in the optical range of wavelengths. One highly used astronomical tool is an atlas of stellar spectra named "MK" after its creators, Morgan and Keenan. The "MK spectral type" is part of the routine designation of most stars. However, for many stars, most radiation occurs in the infrared range. The capability to investigate stars in the infrared is relatively new. The investigators aim to produce a catalogue equivalent to the MK catalogue, but extending into the infrared. The work under this Research Opportunities for Women Planning Grant is to determine the observational requirements that will make such a catalogue the most useful.
