What is centimeter continuum emission?

[Sanjay87]

Hi,

In a few journals I've come across the term "centimeter continuum emission" - e.g. 21 cm continuum emission. What is meant by this? And how can it be continuum when it has a discrete cm value?

Thanks,
San

 

[cadnr]

The reference is to continuum emission at a particular wavelength. Imagine an emission continuum. It's quite possible to specify the flux at a given wavelength isn't it. For example, the continuum emission from a blue star is less at a red wavelength (say, 700 nm) than a blue wavelength (say, 400 nm).