Douze mois d'observation à l'aide du télescope orbitant « International Ultraviolet Explorer »

Abstract

The development and results of the first year of operation of the IUE astronomical satellite are outlined. The concept of the satellite is traced from the first proposal of the Large Astronomical Satellite by the precursor of ESA, through the proposed Ultraviolet Astronomical Satellite, the joint construction of the International Ultraviolet Explorer by NASA and ESA and its launch in 1978 into a geosynchronous orbit above the Atlantic. The capabilities of the satellite, which has been transmitting spectra at wavelengths from 1150 to 3200 A to American and European investigators for over a year, are discussed, and measurements obtained of the hot star HZ 43, the dwarf nova SS Cygni, the pseudo-star Eta Carinae, distant stars, solar-type stars, X-ray sources and extragalactic objects including the galaxies M 81, M 87, NGC 4151 and NGC 1086, the quasar 3C 373 and the BL Lacertae object B2 1101 plus 38 are indicated. It is noted that 2000 spectra will have been obtained during the first year of operation of the IUE, which is intended to be operational for three to five years.