An Observational Test for Departures from LTE in the Spectral Range b5 to A0
Abstract
The ratio of observed Paschen to Balmer discontinuities is found to be a sensitive indicator, independent of stellar rotation, of departures from LTE in the spectral range B5 to A0. The ratio computed from model atmospheres that are not based on the assumption of LTE agrees better with existing photographic observations than does the ratio computed from LTE models. A program of the photoelectric observations necessary to verify this conclusion is suggested.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- July 1967
- DOI:
- 10.1086/149240
- Bibcode:
- 1967ApJ...149..191S