| flash spectrum ...photography by Robert B Slobins |
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Image Reference: 1984-1001-36 |
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Spectrum of the Chromosphere, Inman, SC - USA 30 May 1984
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Opportunities to observe the flash spectrum are rather limited. Perfecting a technique can take a long time. One has to learn very quickly.
Finally, success. We see the hydrogen emission lines in red and blue show as wide arcs with the continuum from the photosphere overlapping them. Because the moon blocked out portions of the photosphere during central eclipse, I could image the flash (chromospheric) spectrum on every frame.
The first order flash spectrum (using a diffraction grating) requires an exposure six stops more than for the image itself. Thus the resulting overexposure of the solar photosphere creates numerous reflections in the lens. Because of the intensity of the solar disk's light, one needs to follow safe viewing techniques to avoid eye damage, even at an eclipse like this.