Auroræ: Their Characters and SpectraCapron, J. Rand
History
Auroræ: Their Characters and Spectra
Capron, J. Rand
Auroras
(3) The observation with a biquartz differs from (1) only by holding a
biquartz (a right-handed and a left-handed quartz cemented side by side)
at a convenient distance beyond the Nicol, and by observing whether
colour is or is not produced. If the Nicol be so turned that the two
parts of the biquartz give the same colour (choose the neutral tint,
_teint de passage_, rather than the yellow), we can detect a change in
the position of the plane of polarization by a change in colour, one
half verging towards red, the other towards blue. This observation is
obviously applicable to a change in the plane, either at different parts
of the phenomenon at the same time, or at the same parts at different
times.
(4) We may use a Savart’s polariscope, which shows a series of coloured
bands in the field of view. For two positions at right angles to one
another corresponding to the two critical positions of a Nicol, these
bands are most strongly developed; for two positions midway between the
former the bands vanish. In the instruments here furnished, the plane of
polarization of the observed light will be parallel to the bands when the
central one is light, perpendicular to them when the central band is dark.
_Instructions in the use of the Spectroscopes supplied to the Arctic
Expedition._
_By J. NORMAN LOCKYER, F.R.S._
_Spectroscopic Work._
Scales prepared on Mr. Capron’s plan, together with forms for recording
positions, also accompany the instrument.
_A._ In using these, carefully insert the principal solar lines in their
places on the forms, as taken from a fine slit, and keep copies of this
scale for use. If the slit opens _only on one_ side, note on scale in
which direction the lines widen out, whether towards red or violet. Also
fill up some of these forms with gas and other spectra, as taken at
leisure _with the same instrument_ and scale.
When observing, close the slit (after first wide opening it) as much as
light will permit, and then with pen or pencil record the lines as seen
upon the micrometer-scale on the corresponding part of the form, and note
_at once relative intensities_ with Greek letters, α, β, &c. (or numbers).
Reduce at leisure line-places on scale to wave-lengths, and note as to
each line the _probable limits of instrumental error_. _B._
In case the auroral spectrum is so faint that the needle-point or
micrometer-scale is invisible, half of the field of view may be covered
with tinfoil, with a perfectly straight smooth edge running along the
diameter of the field, in perfect focus, and parallel to the lines of the
spectra. The reading-screw being set to 10, the bending-screw should then
be adjusted so that the green line of the Aurora is just eclipsed behind
the blackened edge of the tinfoil. A similar eclipse of other lines will
give their positions.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account