Can a single broad bump hide two known lines?
The synthetic model broadens each sodium reference with the same Gaussian width. Full width at half maximum, or FWHM, describes that width. Increasing it from 0.15 to 1.20 nm makes the two model lines harder to distinguish.
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Explore the model (optional)
EXPLORE THE MODEL
Can you separate a sodium doublet?
σ = FWHM / [2√(2 ln 2)]
Read sampled numerical values
| Air wavelength (nm) | Synthetic Na I doublet |
|---|---|
| 586.5 | 1.623e-83 |
| 587 | 7.625e-51 |
| 587.6 | 2.882e-26 |
| 588.1 | 8.764e-10 |
| 588.7 | 0.215 |
| 589.3 | 0.507 |
| 589.8 | 0.83 |
| 590.4 | 6.557e-8 |
| 590.9 | 4.168e-23 |
| 591.5 | 2.132e-46 |
| 592 | 8.775e-78 |
Broadening spreads the same modeled line area across more wavelengths. The peak can become lower while the integrated area stays fixed. Resolving this reference pair would support a line comparison, not determine a mineral, abundance or biological origin.
What this model can establish
Na I reference air wavelengths 588.9950 and 589.5924 nm. Equal-area Gaussian lines are authored. This is not a ChemCam observation; heights do not measure abundance or establish a mineral or life.
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Optional: check your understanding
MAKE THE CONNECTION
The two narrow peaks become one broad bump as FWHM rises. What changed?
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HISTORY THROUGH EVIDENCE
Coronation, August 2012
On August 19, 2012, Curiosity first fired ChemCam at the Martian rock Coronation.
Explore how the evidence changed the explanation →