An astronomer observing certain regions of the Sun through a spectrometer notices that the spectral lines emitted from these regions are split into two or more components. What does the astronomer conclude about these regions from his observations?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The splitting of spectral lines observed from certain regions of the Sun, known as the Zeeman effect, indicates the presence of strong magnetic fields in those regions. This effect occurs when the magnetic field splits the energy levels of atoms, leading to the emission of spectral lines at slightly different frequencies.

An Astronomer Observing Certain Regions of the Sun Through a Spectrometer