A Possible Origin of the Nebular Lines
Abstract
THE hypothesis that the lines of unknown origin in the spectra of nebulæ are due to the atom of some hitherto undiscovered element (`` nebulium '') is not the only one that may be advanced. The recently developed quantum theory of band spectra makes it at least possible that these lines could have their origin in a molecule with small moment of inertia composed of atoms of those elements which are known to exist in nebulæ. It is proposed in this letter to show that the existing astronomical evidence is not in contradiction to this alternative hypothesis, and also to indulge in some speculation as to the nature of such a molecule.
- Publication:
-
Nature
- Pub Date:
- September 1923
- DOI:
- 10.1038/112392a0
- Bibcode:
- 1923Natur.112..392P