Estimating the Solar Apex Using Stellar Radial Velocities: A Spreadsheet and Graphical Exercise for College-Level Astronomy Classes.

A relatively simple technique is outlined to estimate the location of the solar apex and the mean velocity of the Sun with respect to the brightest 313 stars (V > 3.55). The apex and mean velocity are found from a visual examination of plots of stellar radial velocity versus right ascension, and radial velocity versus galactic longitude. The technique appears to be appropriate for undergraduate college astronomy classes and can be adapted to courses of various levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]