Solar C III line intensity ratios observed from SKYLAB

Abstract

Solar observations of C III line intensity ratios are analyzed which were obtained by the Naval Research Laboratory extreme-ultraviolet slit spectrograph on Skylab from quiet and active regions, coronal holes, prominences, and a flare. Electron densities are determined by comparing the observed intensity ratios to their theoretical variation as a function of electron density and temperature. Both isothermal line ratios that are evaluated at a characteristic emitting temperature and ratios that are integrated through the temperature and density structure of a model solar atmosphere are calculated. The density-sensitive ratios R(Si IV 1402/C III 1908) and R(Si III 1892/C III 1908) are also used to derive additional values of electron density. It is found that the ratios R(C III 1247/C III 1908), R(Si IV 1402/C III 1908), and R(Si III 1892/C III 1908) give consistent values of electron density for each feature. The C III 1908-A, Si III 1892-A, and Si IV 1402-A lines have recently been observed from the IUE satellite in spectra of late-type stars, and can serve as practical density diagnostics that are independent of assumptions about the stellar surface gravity.