User:Graeme Bartlett/spectrum of magnesium

The spectrum of magnesium is a pattern of absorption or emission due to magnesium atoms. The absorption spectrum of magnesium is prominent on the sun, where the Mg b line is actually a triplet of lines at 5167.32 Å, 5172.68 Å and 5183.60 Å.

Stars often contain hydrogen as well as magnesium, and the cooler stars also exhibit the absorption spectrum of magnesium monohydride.