Quasars and Quarks

A reinterpretation of the spectrum of the quasar 3C191 is accomplished on the basis of a model quasar containing both ordinary nuclear atoms and atoms whose nuclear charge has been reduced by $\frac{1}{3}e$ or $\frac{2}{3}e$ through loss of quarks. All observed spectral lines, including those not previously identified, are identified as arising from cosmically abundant elements in similar ionization states and with roughly correct intensity levels. A reduced red shift is found ($z=0.31\mathrm{}$) which lowers the required luminosity of 3C191 to less than that of the brightest galaxies. The results also indicate a periodic structure: Lines corresponding to atomic levels for an element with one quark missing appear along with lines corresponding to the same atomic levels for the same element with two quarks missing.