Spectroscopy: What Do He II & O III Lines Mean?

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He II and O III in spectroscopy refer to the ionization states of helium and oxygen, respectively. He II indicates helium that has been ionized once, while O III signifies oxygen that has been ionized twice. This notation helps identify the elements' states in various astrophysical contexts. The discussion highlights the confusion surrounding the Roman numeral system used in spectroscopy. Understanding these terms is essential for interpreting spectral lines in astronomical observations.
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Hi everyone,

I think this is a relatively straightforward question, but I can't find a simple answer for it on Google.
What do the Roman numerals stand for in He II and O III in relation to spectroscopy?

Thanks.
 
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He I is neutral, He II is once ionized, etc. A clunky notation, to be sure-- kind of like how 2011 is the "21st century."
 
Thanks, that rings a bell alright - had a feeling it was something along those lines (no pun intended...) Cheers :D
 
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