Two years of observation with the international ultraviolet explorer

Abstract

The launching of I.U.E., in January 1978, has provided the astronomical community with a powerful observatory-type spacecraft enabling one a practically continuous observation of ultra-violet spectra of celestial bodies. Two years of operation have led to many new developments, in which a large number of astronomers participated. This review summarizes a part of these developments. While refraining from a description of the results obtained in solar-system and extra-galactic research we discuss: early-type and Wolf-Rayet stars, medium- and late-type stars, planetary nebulae, novae and dwarf-novae, X-ray binaries, supernovae, the interstellar medium and the galactic halo.