On asymmetries of solar spectral lines

The profiles of 43 lines have been observed at the centre and near the limb of the solar disk. Their asymmetry decreases towards the limb, and increases with the equivalent width and the mean heigth of line formation; no relation was found between the asymmetry and the line excitation potential, nor with the degree of ionization, nor with the usually adopted macroturbulent velocity. The asymmetry appears to be due to radial movements.