Abstract
THE above amplification of Dr. Brester's views, as to the cause of variability in red stars, calls for a few remarks. Although opinions may differ as to the constitution of stars of Group II., it is generally agreed that those of Group VI. are in an advanced state of condensation, with cool, absorbing atmospheres, and it is in the latter group of stars that we find the full development of the fluted absorption spectrum which Dr. Brester ascribes to acetylene. Experimental evidence does not certainly indicate that this gas is responsible for the dark flutings observed, for other compounds of carbon give a similar spectrum; but, to whatever the flutings may owe their origin, they are a result of Kirchhoff's law. Notwithstanding that it is in these stars of Group VI. we should most expect the bright lines on Dr. Brester's theory, no bright lines have been recorded in variable stars belonging to the group; that is, there is no visible chemical luminescence.
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THE WRITER OF THE NOTE.. Variability of Red Stars. Nature 53, 249 (1896). https://doi.org/10.1038/053249a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/053249a0
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