Turbulence, kinetic temperature, and electron temperature in stellar atmospheres

Abstract

The phenomenological use of the term "astronomical turbulence"is reviewed and earlier conclusions that the physical nature of the phenomenon is more likely anisotropic mass-motion, or jet-prominences, than the customary aerodynamic turbulence are restated. The primary problem under such conditions is the relative importance of mechanical energy-transport and momentum transport in perturbing the structure of the atmosphere. The problem of the difference between kinetic temperatures of the atoms and electrons is treated, and it is concluded that the difference is negligible in those parts of the stellar atmosphere which are in a statistically-steady state.