The rotational temperature of the FeH molecules in a large sunspot

Abstract

Equivalent widths for four FeH bands (0-0), (1-0), (2-0), and (2-1) versus rotational quantum number J have been used to determine the rotational temperature of the molecule. The average value obtained, from the first three bands is T(rot) = 2900 K +/- 300 K. This result agrees well with the temperatures derived for other molecules in sunspot umbrae. The current value is notably higher than that obtained earlier by (Mulchaey, J.S., 1989. Pub. Astron. Soc. Pacific 101, 211) for the same molecule. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.