Ultraviolet stellar spectra obtained with Skylab Experiment S019

Abstract

Ultraviolet stellar spectra in the wavelength region from 130 to 500 nm were photographed during the three manned Skylab missions using a 15-cm-aperture objective-prism telescope mounted on the antisolar scientific airlock. Data at wavelengths of 200 nm or shorter were obtained for 1400 stars in 166 fields. Approximately 300 stars show absorption lines of Si IV, C IV, or C II in which the strengths and profiles show striking variations with stellar temperature and luminosity. Numerous weak lines are also observed in supergiant stars, shell stars, peculiar A stars, and Wolf-Rayet stars. Observations of comet Kohoutek show interesting variations in the strength of the OH 3090 A band.