On emission lines at high kinetic temperature.

Abstract

view Abstract Citations References Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS On emission lines at high kinetic temperature. Thomas, R. N. Abstract If one admits the existence of a general outer stellar atmosphere whose kinetic temperature exceeds the radiation temperature of the star, some other mode of energy transfer than radiation is implied. There exists thus the possibility of increasing the emission in certain spectral regions without requiring a diminution in others. The conditions for a net chromospheric emission under conditions of high kinetic temperature and non-thermodynamic equilibrium are presented, with results in general considerably different from the earlier conclusions of Menzel. The most pressing refinement needed for the general case over the type calculations already made for the solar chromosphere, where Lyman emission and Balmer absorption were found, lies in the consideration of collisional excitation from the n = 2 level. The inclusion of such a term may force the earlier Balmer members into emission under conditions of sufficiently large electron density and kinetic temperature. It is suggested that the phenomenon may find application in the transitory bright line spectrum observed by Struve in RR Lyrae. Institute of Advanced Study, Princeton University, Princeton, N. J. Publication: The Astronomical Journal Pub Date: April 1949 DOI: 10.1086/106229 Bibcode: 1949AJ.....54..137T full text sources ADS |