Hydrogen-alpha

Hydrogen-alpha is a specific red color emitted by hydrogen atoms when their electrons move between energy levels, typically in the Sun's atmosphere and other celestial objects. This wavelength, about 656 nanometers, is used in astrophotography and solar observation because it highlights features like solar prominences and filaments with striking detail. Hydrogen-alpha filters allow astronomers to isolate this particular light, revealing solar activity and dynamic processes that are otherwise obscured in broad-spectrum views. In essence, it provides a window into the Sun's complex and energetic outer layers, enhancing our understanding of solar phenomena.