Ultraviolet observations of WZ SGE in outburst.
Fabian, A. C.; Pringle, J. E.; Stickland, D. J.; Whelan, J. A. J.
United Kingdom, Spain
Abstract
The paper describes low and high-resolution UV spectroscopic observations of the recurrent nova WZ Sge obtained during its December 1978 outburst. The observations were made during outburst with the IUE satellite. Low-resolution images obtained on December 14 and 24 are discussed. The continuum on both days may be fitted by a power law or an optically thick accretion disk spectrum. Spectral features due to C IV, N V, Si IV, Si II, O I, C II and possibly He II are identified in the low-resolution data. The few high-resolution images confirm the features found at low resolution and cover a wider time span. The distance to WZ Sge is estimated to be of the order of 100 pc.