THE CENTER-TO-LIMB VARIATION OF H-ALPHA, H-BETA, AND H-GAMMA IN THE SOLAR SPECTRUM
Abstract
New observations and a new analysis of the limb darkening in H-alpha, H-beta, and H-gamma are presented. The observations are made in the form of monochromatic scans along a north-south diameter of a solar image. This new observing technique shows clearly the intensity fluctuations that appear as the characteristic mottling in H-alpha filtergrams; however, it also gives enough datum points in quiet solar regions to allow the empirical definition of a quiet, average solar atmosphere. At the center of the disc, the average central intensities for H-alpha, H-beta, and H-gamma are, respectively, .154, .130, and .142 (! .001) in units of the continuum at the center of the disc. The analysis of the observations is based only on three assumptions: (1) a spherically-symmetric atmosphere, (2) a frequency-independent source function, and (3) a Gaussian absorption coefficient. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0277158
Entities
People
- Oran Richard White
Organizations
- Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories