ON EQUILIBRIUM ABUNDANCE OF $C_2$ MOLECULES UNDER SUNSPOT CONDITIONS

An extensive molecular equilibrium calculation has been performed under sunspot conditions in order to resolve the current dispute on the presence of $C_2$ lines in the spectrum of sunspots. Equilibrium abundance of $C_2$ has been computed under the conditions of umbral cores, umbrae and the normal photosphere. As the results, it is found that the umbral cores yield unfavorable environment for $C_2$ formation. It is concluded that $C_2$ molecular lines are not likely tn be observed in the spectrum of sunspots.