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[7.15] Comparison of theoretical maximum principal quantum numbers for hydrogen-like atoms in the extended atmosphere of Betelgeuse

J. E. Bartley (Boulder High Scool, Boulder, Colorado), G. M. Harper (University of Colorado)

Theoretical models predict a range of values for the maximum principal quantum number (n_max) that can exist for hydrogen-like atoms surrounded by ions, atoms and electrons. We compare the values of n_max derived from different models for conditions in the weakly ionized plasma of the extended atmosphere of the red supergiant Betelgeuse (\alpha~Ori: HD~39801). These values are used to compute optically thin free-bound and free-free sub-mm to IR continuum spectra. While there are large differences in predicted n_max from the ionized plasma, the differences in the spectra are small. This is, in part, because of the ever present free-free emission. For Betelgeuse, neutral hydrogen plays an important role in limiting (n_max). A more rigorous test of the different theoretical models would be to search for bound-bound transitions between high lying levels near n_max in plasma which is mostly ionized, e.g. H~II regions.

The work is based on research undertaken as part of Boulder Valley School District's Research Seminar in Science Program, and is co-sponsored by NSF grant AST-0206367.

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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 #2
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