The Bowen fluorescence lines: overview and re-analysis of the observations.

The present situation with respect to observations and interpretations of the O III Bowen fluorescence lines is examined. Available sets of observations are assembled, and a general analysis and comparison are carried out using intermediate-coupling radiative rates obtained by Froese Fischer (FF) and by Bhatia and Kastner. Some new identifications of the weaker Bowen lines are made, and lines of a third "Bowen" cascade are discussed. The results show, however, that while the FF rates are supported by some of the observations, the latter are not sufficiently complete to yield definitive interpretations of the longer wavelength Bowen lines, or to verify predicted charge-exchange processes. Consistency of predicted charge-exchange rates has also not yet been achieved, so that improved observations are especially important to obtain. The analysis presented may be useful to observers who plan to obtain a complete Bowen set of observations as defined in the present article.