International Ultraviolet Explorer probes the universe.

Abstract

The impact of the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE), launched in January 1978, on ultraviolet astronomy is reviewed. An assortment of firsts has been achieved, including the first UV observation of a supernova, the first high-resolution UV spectrum of a star in another galaxy, and the first evidence that acetylene is present in the upper atmosphere of Saturn. Data from IUE may help astronomers to detect absorption or emission lines from dim and distant sources, to display target spectra on color TV as soon as an observation is completed, and to make immediate decisions concerning the modification of the future course of an observation program.