Algorithm for Removing Secondary Lines Blended with Balmer Lines in Synthetic Spectra of Massive Stars

Abstract

In order to measure automatically the equivalent width of the Balmer lines in a database of 40,000 atmosphere models, we have developed a computer program that mimics the work of an astronomer in terms of identifying and eliminating secondary spectral lines mixed with the Balmer lines. The equivalent widths measured have average errors of 5%, which makes them very reliable. As part of the FITspec code, this program improves the automatic adjustment of an atmosphere model to the observed spectrum of a massive star.