The Zeeman Effect
    A few things you should know first...
    -A particular type of atom absorbs only certain wavelengths of light corresponding to the allowed energy levels of its electrons. When observing the spectrum of light that has passed through say a cloud of gas, the absorbed light does not make it and a dark band, or spectral line, appears at that wavelength.
    -Electromagnetic radiation, or light, is made up of an oscillating electric and magnetic field. The direction of oscillation of the electric field defines the lights polarization, which may be along a line or in some elliptical or circular motion.

The Zeeman Effect The Sun's Magnetic Field With no magnetic field, an electron can jump to only one distinct energy level. Therefore, it can only absorb one distinct wavelength of light and creates a narrow line in the spectrum. In the presence of a magnetic field, an electron can make a transition to three slightly different energy levels. This allows the electron to absorb 3 different wavelengths of light creating a broadened or totally split line in the spectrum.

So the direction, distribution, and strength of the magnetic field on the photosphere can be determined!

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