Intensity Variations in the Spectrum of a Perseid Meteor*

Density measurements of the spectrum of a Perseid meteor reveal an increase in the strength of the K line of ionized calcium with respect to the neutral iron‐magnesium blend at 3830 A., particularly during bursts. The greater strengthening of high‐excitation lines relative to low‐excitation lines during bursts appears to be fairly general thruout the spectrum. Effective‐temperature determinations, based upon the relative intensities of certain iron multiplets, however, indicate lower excitation of iron vapor during bursts than between them. The effective‐temperature difference is of the order of 20° to 30° C.