Internet Encyclopedia of Science
SPECTRA & SPECTROSCOPY
A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

                   • HOME
• ABOUT
• CATEGORIES
• USE OF TEXT AND IMAGES
• NEWSLETTER

  



H-alpha


H-alpha
A red spectral line, at a wavelength of 6563 Å (656.3 nanometers), emitted by a hydrogen atom when its electron falls from the third lowest energy level (n=3) to the second lowest energy level (n=2). The same line appears in absorption when electrons are raised from n=2 to n=3.

Many solar features, such as prominences, show up best in H-alpha, so that, for observation of the Sun, filters are often used that allow only light close to the H-alpha wavelength to pass.

H-alpha is the first member of the Balmer series.


Related category

   • SPECTRA AND SPECTROSCOPY


Also on this site:

Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History




BACK TO TOP