NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
The statistical equilibrium of hydrogen and helium in a radiation field, with an application to interpreting Wolf-Rayet spectraThe interpretation of the intensities of the hydrogen and helium emission lines in O and Wolf-Rayet spectra in terms of the abundance of hydrogen relative to helium requires information regarding the distribution of hydrogen and helium atoms and ions over their several energy states. In addition, some estimate is needed regarding the transmission of the radiation through the stellar mantle. The present paper provides new information concerning the population of the energy levels of hydrogen and helium when statistical equilibrium occurs in the presence of a radiation field. The results are applied to an interpretation of the spectra of four Wolf-Rayet stars, taking into account the implications for interpreting the spectra of O stars, OB supergiants, and Be stars.
Document ID
19860040910
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Bhatia, A. K.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Underhill, A. B.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series
Volume: 60
ISSN: 0067-0049
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
86A25648
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available