In physics and astronomy, H-alpha, also written H , is a specific red visible spectral line created by hydrogen with a wavelength of 6562.8 Å. According to the Bohr model of the atom, electrons exist in quantized energy levels surrounding the atom's nucleus. These energy levels are described by the principal quantum number n = 1, 2, 3, ... . Electrons may only exist in these states, and may only transit between these states. The set of transitions from n 3 to n = 2 is called the Balmer series and its members are named sequentially by Greek letters: n = 3 to n = 2 is called Balmer-alpha or H-alpha, n = 4 to n = 2 is called H-beta, n = 5 to n = 2 is called H-gamma, etc. For the Lyman series the naming convention is: n = 2 to n = 1 is called Lyman-alpha, n = 3 to n = 1 is called Lyman-beta, etc. H-alpha has a wavelength of 6562.81 Å, is visible in the red part of the electromagnetic spectrum, and is the easiest way for astronomers to trace the ionized hydrogen content of gas clouds.