A series of infrared spectral lines of hydrogen produced when electrons transition from higher energy levels (n≥4) down to the third energy level (n=3). These lines are particularly useful for studying hydrogen in dusty environments where visible light is absorbed.
Named after German physicist Friedrich Paschen, who discovered these infrared hydrogen lines in 1908. His work completed the picture of hydrogen's spectral series by extending observations into the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The Paschen series is hydrogen's secret infrared language that penetrates cosmic dust like X-rays through your body! While dust clouds hide star formation from visible light telescopes, infrared observations of Paschen lines can reveal the hydrogen gas where new stars are being born, making it invaluable for studying stellar nurseries.
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