flash spectrum

The spectrum of the layer of gases lying immediately above the dazzling photosphere of the sun. The flash spectrum can be observed only at the moments of disappearance or reappearance of the photosphere, at the beginning or the end of the total phase respectively of the sun's eclipse, when bright lines flash out in hundreds and there seems literally to be a shower of bright lines all along the spectrum. Under the average conditions of an eclipse perhaps not more than two seconds are available, just as totality comes on, in which the flash spectrum may be photographed in its full splendor, and if the observer is discerning enough to know exactly when the sun is going to burst out again at the end of totality he will have another two seconds in which to expose a second plate. Another "I would call attention to the beautiful sequence of hydrogen lines in the flash spectrum. point which is well shown is that, if we except the ordinary chromosphere lines (those of calcium, hydrogen and helium), all the fainter lines due to the flash spectrum For the difference between flare and flame , see proper are of the same length and form, a well-defined FLAME. flär'-ling, pr. par., a. & 8. [FLARE, v.] A. As pr. par.: (See the verb.) B. As adjective: length, of even width, running from end to end of the spectrum. This shows that the low-lying gases at the base of the chromosphere form a well-defined layer pretty definitely bounded, and not failing by insensible gradations into the higher portions of the chromosphere. An estimate based on the width of this band of bright 1. Ord. Lang .: Flaming, dazzling, gaudily bright. lines gives for the depth of the layer about one and a half 2. Naut .: Overhanging, as of the bows of a ship, seconds of arc-or say 700 miles the total depth of the the top side forward; increasing in diameter up chromosphere itself being some eight seconds of arc, or ward, as of an upwardly expanding pan; funnel shaped, conical, trumpet-mouthed. C. As subst.: The act or state of burning with a bright but unsteady light. Lär-Ing-ly, adv . [Eng. flaring ; -ly.] In a flaring, dazzling, or gaudy manner; gaudily. flash (1), *flasche, *fla he, *flosche, s. [O. Fr. Aasque, flache; Dut. vlacke.] A pool of water. flash (2), s . & a. [Of Scand in avian origin; cf. Sw. dial. flasa =to burn furiously, to blaze; Icel. flasa to rush; flas =a headlong rush.] A. As substantive: I. Lit .: A sudden, quick, and transitory blaze or gleam of bright light, appearing and disappearing almost instantaneously. "Then sudden through the darkened air A flash of lightning came." Scott: Lay of the Last Minstrel , vi. 26. II. Figuratively : 1. A sudden outburst, as of wit, merriment, pa ion, .; a short and brilliant burst or show. " Flashes of wrath and tears of shame." Long fellow: Tales of a Wayside Inn. (Inter.) *2. The time during which a flash is visible; hence, a very brief space; an instant; a short transient state. "I learnt more from her in a flash , Than if my brainpan were an empty hull, And every Muse tumbled a science in." Tennyson: The Prince , ii. 375. IMG:content-1719.png:[blocks in formation] 7. A preparation of capsicum, burnt sugar, ., used for coloring brandy, rum, ., and giving them a fictitious strength. 3,600 miles." -J. Ever shed, Fellow Royal Astronomical Society: Observations on Total Eclipse of January 21, 1898. flash-wheel, s. A water-raising wheel having arms radial or nearly so to its axle, and revolving in a chase or curved water-way, by which the water pa es from the lower to the higher level as the wheel rotates. flash, v. i. & t. [FLASH, 8.] A. Intransitive: 1. To glitter with a quick and transient flame; to burst out suddenly into light. 2. To burst suddenly forth like applause; to break IMG:content-1720.png:[blocks in formation] I. Ordinary Language : 1. One who, or that which flashes. 2. A man of more appearance of wit than reality. flask II. Steam - eng in .: A form of steam-boiler in which small quantities of water are injected into a heated boiler and flashed into steam, sufficient being injected at each time for one stroke. flash-er (2), 8. [Corrupt. of flesher (q. v.).] Α name given to Lanius collurio , the red-backed shrike; also called FLUSHER (q. v.). flash'-1-ly, adv . [Eng. flashy ; -ly.] In a flashy manner; with empty show; gaudily; without real power of wit or solidity of thought.