Demonstrate measuring the spectrum of quasar 3C273 and of a terrestrial sample of known composition with the same spectroscope, not changing any calibration settings, to observe the redshift of 3C273. Can this be done with amateur-level equipment? What should the terrestrial sample of known composition be? (Probably hydrogen.)
How did it occur to astronomers to measure the spectrum of 3C273 in the first place? It must have been part of a massive survey. (Answer: 3C273 was very radio bright, so astronomers were already curious. An occultation by the moon helped narrow down its precise location.)
Its redshift and its corresponding speed, then its corresponding distance by Hubble's Law, then its corresponding luminosity, were all mind-boggling when first discovered.
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