A new method of mapping the solar magnetic field is described, and preliminary results are presented. Relatively strong fields, up to 100 or 200 gauss in strength are found in extensive areas throughout plage regions, the field pattern being in striking agreement with the pattern of Ca ii emission. A plausible mechanism of excitation of the Ca+ ions is described, and some possible consequences of this mechanism are briefly discussed.
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Robert B. Leighton (1959) studied this question.