The Ultraviolet Spectrum of eta Carinae

Abstract

An atlas of the high-resolution UV spectrum of Eta Car from 1200 to 1974 A and from 2200 to 3230 A is presented, based on IUE observations made between 1978 and 1980. The fluxes and equivalent widths of the emission and absorption features, and the stellar continuum in line-free regions are presented. The profiles displayed by the most intense emission suggest line formation in an asymmetric envelope. Many of the observed features may be explained if Eta Car is an intermediate, possible binary, F-type hypergiant in a short living stage, which holds a massive wind heated by dissipation of mechanical energy.