The first IUE observations of LMC X-1 (star 32).

Abstract

The first far UV observations of LMC X-1 (star 32) are presented. Form the UV continuum distribution the authors derive a value for the reddening towards star 32 of E(B-V) = 0.05 (galactic foreground extinction) plus 0.32 (extinction in the LMC). The dereddened stellar continuum can be reproduced by a model atmosphere with T_eff = 35,000K (log g = 3.5), confirming the spectral type O7-9 III derived from the optical spectrum. Continuum emission is significantly detected from the surrounding H II region N 159, within a region of ≡5arcsec radius around the star, suggesting that stellar light is scattered by dust particles in the nebula.