The Origin of the Spectrum of the Solar Corona

Abstract

THE arguments which have been brought forward to explain the origin of the spectra of nebulæ may be used with certain modifications to explain the spectrum of the solar corona; for it must be composed of such atoms thrown out by radiation pressure or other agencies from the general atmosphere of the sun. On account of the lower temperature of the sun, the atoms concerned should be non-ionised, or such as can be easily ionised. They should also be light. All these considerations narrow down the choice to a very few elements like Li⁺, Be⁺, B⁺, C, N, O … Si, P, S, P⁺, and S⁺, etc. It is the object of this note to discuss how these elements can give rise to the coronal spectrum.