Creative Commons License Copyright © Michael Richmond. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Invent a good mnemonic for the sequence of stellar spectral classes

This project must be done by individuals (but will depend upon the votes of the entire class).

The classic list of spectral classes devised by Annie Jump Cannon and colleagues at Harvard College Observatory in the early 1900s runs as follows from hot stars to cool ones:



   O   B   A   F   G   K   M

Remembering this sequence of letters is not very easy, so scientists and students over the decades have devised a number of mnemonics to help. One of the most common is



      Oh, Be A Fine Girl, Kiss Me
or
      Oh, Be A Fine Guy,  Kiss Me

However, some people would prefer a different way to remember the sequence. Can you do better?

Your job: submit, in writing on paper, a new short sentence or phrase (or song) which will help future students remember the letters in order. You may submit up to 3 different phrases if you wish. The deadline for submission is Tuesday, Oct 7, at noon.

In the class meeting on Tuesday, Oct 7, the entire class will vote on the best mnemonics. The top 3 entrants will win one point of extra credit at the end of the semester.


Creative Commons License Copyright © Michael Richmond. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.