We study the influence of a solid on the Auger electrons emitted by hi
ghly charged ions incident on the solid surface. It is shown that the
Auger peak is shifted in energy due to the interactions of the electro
ns in the solid target. We analyze how this line shift can be used to
distinguish between electron emission before and after the projectile
enters the surface. We present specific results for the cases of broad
and narrow Auger lines. The solid-state-induced shift of the projecti
le KLL Auger peak is calculated for N6+(10 keV) --> Ni and Ne9+(90 keV
) --> Cu. Good agreement is obtained with the results of the correspon
ding experiments.