Type of Light | Source | |
|---|---|---|
 |
Calcium exists in small amounts in the solar atmosphere. Under conditions that exist in the Sun's upper photosphere and chromosphere, calcium looses 1 electron and becomes singly-ionized. It then gives off light in the visible range at 3933Å. Light at this wavelength is extremelly faint but when the brilliant photospheric emissions are filtered out, the Ca II K line provides important information on the large-scale magnetic field structure in the chromosphere. |  |
Calcium on Earth | ||
| On Earth, calcium is a common white metal that is found in chalk, limestone and the shells of mollusks. It is also crucial to the functioning of living organisms. It is essential for the growth of teeth and bones, helps control blood clotting and is used in transmitting messages along the body's nervous system. |  |
|