A Discussion on astronomy in the ultraviolet - Skylark rocket observations of ultraviolet spectra of γ 2 Velorum and ζ Puppis

Abstract

A star-stabilized Skylark rocket was launched from Woomera in June 1973 to record ultraviolet spectra of the bright stars y 2 Velorum and £ Puppis. The instrumentation consisted of three Wadsworth-mounted objective grating spectrographs with a combined wavelength range 90-230 nm. Stellar spectra were recorded on Kodak 101-01 photographic film, the in-flight spectral resolution being approximately 30 pm. Two exposures were obtained on each of the target stars. The y 2 Vel spectrum observations extend from 92 to 230 nm and the £ Pup spectrum from 100 to 230 nm. Analysis of the spectra provides information about the composition and properties of the interstellar gas in the line of sight. The observations also provide useful data on the stellar atmospheres. P Cygni line profiles are observed in the spectra of both stars indicating that high velocity material is being ejected.