Resolution of the Hα double-limb controversy

Abstract

The discussion of the Hα double limb had reached the point where the question of its existence as a real solar phenomenon could not be resolved without new observations made with the Lockheed filter and the Mount Wilson spectroheliograph. A study of the instrumental profiles had indicated that there was sufficient off-band light to produce the observed inner limb step in the Mount Wilson instrument, but this analysis was not completely satisfactory because of limitations inherent in the measurement of instrument functions with a Hg-198 source. The instrumental profile work did indicate, however, that the spectral purity of the instruments in question could be substantially improved by the use of narrow-band interference filters. An experimental program was thus launched to determine the effect of such a blocking filter on the appearance of the Hα limb. The results of these observations with three Halle filter systems and the Mount Wilson spectroheliograph are that the inner limb completely disappears at the center of Hα when a blocking filter is used to reduce unwanted light, which originates at wavelengths beyond ±0.8 Å. In addition, the contrast and visibility of the chromospheric fine structure is increased by eliminating the off-band light. Thus the experiment conclusively demonstrates that the apparent inner limb is not a solar feature but is due entirely to instrumental parasitic light.