What is centimeter continuum emission?

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    Continuum Emission
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SUMMARY

Centimeter continuum emission refers to the continuous spectrum of electromagnetic radiation emitted at a specific wavelength, such as 21 cm. This term is commonly used in astrophysics to describe the emission from celestial objects, where the flux varies with wavelength. For instance, the continuum emission from a blue star demonstrates that the flux is lower at longer wavelengths (e.g., 700 nm) compared to shorter wavelengths (e.g., 400 nm). This concept is crucial for understanding the spectral characteristics of astronomical bodies.

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Sanjay87
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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
 
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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).
 

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