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The star, Altair (A7 IV-V), is clearly shown to have Lyman-alpha emission of chromospheric origin, while no evidence is found for the Mg II emission reported in previous investigations. We present non-Local Thermodymanic Equilibrium (non-LTE) semiempirical models incorporating partial redistribution of the chromosphere of Altair that reproduce the observed Lyman-alpha emission and the Mg II resonance absorption at 2800 A. We unambiguously establihed that chromospheres exist at spectral types as early as A7 on the main sequence, and we also demonstrate that it very unlikely that the observed emission originates in a corotating expanding wind. This result represents a new challenge for chromospheric heating theories. It may indicate that both differential rotation and convection layers, at least near the equator, exist in this fast rotating (v sin i = 220 km/s) star.

The IRAS Faint Source Survey data base and the ADDSCAN/SCANPI software are used to search for systems with circumstellar dust in two samples: all of the 62 A stars in Woolley's catalog, which lie near the main sequence and are typically within 25 pc of the sun, and all A stars in the Bright Star Catalogue with mV in the range 4-5 and v sin i not less than 100 km/s. In the first sample, 11 nearby A stars having (12)-(25) and (25)-(60) colors consistent with circumstellar dust are found. The analysis of the second sample demonstrates that the use of the FSS data base increases the likelihood of identifying A stars with circumstellar dust fainter than mV = 4. Three more new dusty systems are found in this sample. Beta Pictoris (A5 IV-V) is the only star within 25 pc of the sun that displays IR colors indicative of both warm and cool dust. It is inferred from the absence of cool dust in the vast majority of the systems that the dust disks of these stars are much less extended than that seen around Beta Pictoris.

The IUE ultraviolet spectrum for a supergiant of type G Ia, HD 135345, is obtained for the wavelength region 2000-3000 A. In the spectrum, the continuum as well as the feature of the Mg II doublet at 2800 A is found to be anomalous. The observed level of continuum increases toward short wavelengths to 2000 A, verifying that this supergiant is actually a binary system with a hot companion. The anomalies in the magnesium doublet are the complete absence of the chromospheric emission and the very small equivalent width of the doublet absorption: the equivalent width is 4 A, which is 7.5 times smaller than that for a typical G5 star. The main parameters of the binary system are obtained, namely, spectral classes, effective temperatures, ratio of radii, and visible magnitudes.

The IUE spectrum of the star HD 139521, a giant of class G8III is obtained and based on the analysis of the narrow structure of 2795 (k) and 2803 (h) Mg II emission profiles, the existence of a circumstellar cloud around the giant star is assumed. This conclusion is confirmed also by the anomaly of the small observed power of the doublet Mg II emission at 2800. The absorption cores on the peaks of the emission profiles Mg II k and h are mainly of interstellar origin and, only partly, due to self-absorption in the star's chromosphere.

The results of the measurements and analysis of the IUE observations of the 2800 Mg II doublet in the spectrum of HD 156854, a G9 III star, are presented. The relative power of the magnesium chromosphere, R(Mg) = 0.00001, is in agreement with the known data for giants of the same class. The emission profiles of this doublet present absorption cores, which are of interstellar origin. Taking into account the interstellar depletion of Mg, the derived density of interstellar hydrogen is n(H) = 0.001/cu cm, which agrees with the conclusion (Paresce 1984) about the possibility of large hydrogen concentrations in some directions of the Galaxy far from the sun.

Coordinated observations of the nearby BL Lacertae object Mrk 421 obtained during May 1980, January 1984 and March 1984, are described. These observations give a time-frozen picture of the continuous spectrum of Mrk 421 at X-ray, ultraviolet, optical, and radio wavelengths. The observed spectra have been fitted to an inhomogeneous relativistic jet model described by Hutter and Mufson. The studies show that it is difficult to describe the data by a single jet whose properties vary as a function of time in a self-consistent manner unless the flat spectrum, hard X-ray tail present in January 1984 is due to an additional short-lived component of emission. These jet models are compared with homogeneous, spherically symmetric, synchrotron self-Compton models for this source.

A new series of IUE observations of Beta Persei has shown that the high temperature resonance lines of Si IV and C IV arise in a region that surrounds the brighter, early-type component of the system. The continuum spectrum corresponds to that of a B8V object, and the value of E(B-V) that yielded the best match between the two IUE regions was 0.06, the value quoted for Beta Per in Jamar et al.'s (1976) Catalog.

IUE data obtained on the variable BL Lacertae object PKS 2155-304 over an eight-year period are presented and analyzed in a fashion that minimizes the SNR of individual spectra. In general, the ultraviolet continuum can be fitted by a power law model with an average spectral index of roughly 0.89 + or - 0.12(sigma). The observations show that PKS 2155-304 has been variable on a time scale as short as 10 days and by an overall factor of two. The spectral index has changed very little and is uncorrelated with intensity in an absolute sense.

High-resolution ultraviolet spectra of the moderate supergiant Alpha Per (F5 Ib) were studied to determine the dynamic state of its upper photosphere. It was found that the line-of-sight microturbulent velocity component in the region of origin of the UV spectrum is about 5 km/s, and is slightly smaller than the value derived from the visual spectrum. This is ascribed to dissipation of mechanical energy between the higher and lower layers where, respectively, the ultraviolet and visual light lines originate. Between these two levels, which are one scale height apart, the mechanical energy flux decreases to about 0.3 of its photospheric value. The consequent value for the (outward directed) turbulent acceleration is 24 cm/sec-squared, more than one half the observationally determined effective acceleration of gravity.

Papers are presented on the formation and evolution of low-mass close binaries with compact components, the periods of cataclysmic variables, multiwavelength observations of dwarf novae during outbursts, and radio emission from cataclysmic variables. Also considered are long-term optical photometry of the dwarf nova VW Hyi, periodic modulations in the optical light curves of EX Hydrae, and Echelle-Mepsicron time-resolved spectroscopy of the dwarf nova SS Cygni. Other topics include UV and X-ray observations of cataclysmic variables, new EXOSAT observations of TV Columbae, accretion disk evolution, and the boundary layer in cataclysmic variables.

Simultaneous multifrequency observations of the BL Lac object Mrk 421 covering radio through X-ray wavelengths were performed on two occasions separated by 5 weeks in January and March 1984, and each observation was coordinated for about 1 week. Composite multifrequency spectra of the central nonthermal component were obtained at the two epochs after subtracting the optical and infrared light of the underlying galaxy. The spectra show the gradual steepening toward high frequency; the power law indices are about 0.1, about 0.6, and about 1.0 for radio, infrared-optical, and UV bands, respectively. The UV and optical-infrared fluxes decreased by about 20 percent in 5 weeks, while the radio flux remained stable. The X-ray flux decreased by a factor of about 2, and the change was more pronounced at hard X-rays, which suggest that X-ray emission possibly consists of two components. The degree of polarization at the optical band varied on the time scale of a few days, while the position angle remained unchanged. Physical parameters of Mrk 421 are discussed in terms of the synchrotron self-Compton model.

Low dispersion IUE spectra have been obtained at primary and secondary minima, together with a high dispersion spectrum near maximum, for the eclipsing Algol-type IM Aurigae system. The weak, sharp absorption features noted at two distinct velocities in the high dispersion data are attributed to circumbinary gaseous shells and/or gas streams between the stellar components. The implications of these results for the recently observed increase in O-C values of the primary minimum, which prompted this UV spectral search for evidence of a recent mass-loss event, are discussed.

The high-resolution ultraviolet spectrum of Procyon (F5 IV-V) in the range 2030-2371 A is analyzed by using BUSS VIII and IUE data. A detailed identification is performed with the synthetic spectrum method. The theoretical spectrum has been computed with a Kurucz blanketed model, and using an extended and updated version of the Kurucz and Peytremann log gf tables. The convolution of the computed spectrum with a Gaussian broadening function shows that the observations are well reproduced with a total broadening velocity (stellar plus instrumental) of 10.8 km/s. An atlas of the spectrum observed by BUSS VIII is given. The IUE and BUSS VIII observations are compared with each other, and the overlapping spectra are displayed. An estimate of the quality of the line list, of the atomic data, and of the abundances used for the computations has been derived. Elements predicted as being present in the region studied, but not observed in the visual range, are discussed.

Recent infrared photometry indicates that the alleged disk of particulate matter surrounding the mysterious secondary object in the Epsilon Aur system is cold, around 500 K. IUE spectra, on the other hand, contain significant flux in excess of that expected from an F0 Ia star in the far UV, which if interpreted as a hot secondary star leads to a possible contradiction with the IR data. Other models of the UV excess have been proposed, including the idea that the bulk of the short-wavelength flux is light scattered into the SWP camera from longer wavelengths. With the recent availability of a detailed generalized IUE descattering algorithm it is possible to thoroughly investigate the scattered-light contribution to the short-wavelength continuum. It is found that the IUE spectra are indeed partially contaminated by scattered light, but that even after correction for this instrumental effect a significant time-dependent UV excess is still present.

Spectra obtained between 2000 and 3000 A with the Balloon Borne Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer (BUSS) payload were examined for interstellar absorption lines. In bright stars, with spectral types between O9V and F5V, such lines were measured of Mg I, Mg II, Cr II, Mn II, Fe II and Zn II, with Cr II and Zn II data of especially high quality. Column densities were derived and interstellar abundances were determined for the above species. It was found that metal depletion increases with increasing E(B-V); Fe was most affected and Zn showed a small depletion for E(B-V) greater than 0.3 towards Sco-Oph. The metal column densities, derived for Alpha-And, Kappa-Dra, Alpha-Com, Alpha-Aql, and 29 Cyg were used to infer N(H I). It was shown that the ratio of Mg I to Na I is instrumental in determining the ionization structure along each line of sight. The spectra of Aql stars confirms the presence of large gas densities near Alpha-Oph. Moreover, data indicated that the Rho-Oph N(H I) value needs to be altered to 35 x 10 to the 20th/sq cm, based on observed ion ratios and analysis of the Copernicus L-alpha profile.

Spectra obtained with the IUE satellite have led to the discovery that 22 Vul is an atmospheric eclipsing binary belonging to the zeta Aurigae class of stars. The system is the first found with a G-type primary (G3 Ib-II), while the spectral type of the secondary is the latest (B9) and its period is the shortest (249 days) of any of the classical members of the group. Out-of-eclipse spectra, atmospheric eclipse phases and totality observations are discussed. Comparisons are made with other systems.

Attention is given to observational evidence for the presence of variable and optically thick extrastellar gas in two binary stars, R Arae and HD 207739, which appear to be in the evolutionary phase immediately preceding or following the short lived supercritical mass transfer phase. In both binaries, spectral lines and energy distributions are variable outside eclipse.

The results of a preliminary analysis of high-resolution and low-resolution UV spectra of the edge-on extended-disk shell star Beta Pic, obtained with the IUE SWP and LWR instruments on November 5-6, 1984, are reported and compared with IRAS and ground-based observations. No selective UV extinction is detected, and the fine structure of the Fe II and C I absorption lines and the presence of metastable Fe II lines are considered consistent with a circumstellar nebula or extended envelope of density greater than 1000/cu cm and electron density (1-10) x 10 to the 8th/cu cm or less at 1-2 AU from the central star. The possibility that the extended orbiting disk is clumpy, as observed by Smith and Terrile (1985), is discussed.

Ultraviolet spectra of HD 77581 obtained with the IUE satellite in December 1982 and January 1983 are analyzed. The effective temperature is found to be 25,000 + or - 1000 K by comparing its photospheric absorption lines with those in four well-studied B0-B1 supergiants. The distance of 1.9 + or - 0.2 kpc is derived from its luminosity log L/solar-L = +5.53, which is obtained from the effective temperature and from its radius. Circumstellar matter is detected not only in the C IV and Si IV lines but also in Al III, Fe III, C II, and Mg II lines. Profiles of the C IV and Si IV lines show a similar dependence on the orbital phase as in 1978. Two distinct sharp components are found in the shortward-shifted absorptions of the Al III and Fe III lines. Once component is present only in the second half of the orbital period, and its origin may be a 'trailing wake' behind the neutron star. The other component is seen all over the period, and it can be interpreted as originating in a cool expanding region of gas in the orbital plane.

The balloon-borne UV Stellar Spectrometer's high resolution, near-UV spectra of the supergiant Alpha Cyg are subjected to analysis in order to determine the average microturbulent line-of-sight velocity component. A value of 15.0 + or - 0.5 km/sec is obtained, which is close to the 13.7 km/sec local sound velocity, and is consistent with the view that shock waves are the dominant structure in the outer photosphere of Deneb, so that shock wave dissipation determines the thermal structure of the photosphere.

Helium and hydrogen backscattering; ultraviolet and EUV absorption spectra; optical extinction and polarization; hot gases; soft X-ray observations; infrared and millimeter wavelengths; radio wavelengths and theoretical models of the interstellar matter within about 150 parsecs of the Sun were examined.

Copernicus and IUE observations of 5 stars within 50 pc of the Sun were combined to study the ionization of magnesium in the local interstellar medium (LISM). The high resolution Copernicus spectrometer was used to detect interstellar MG I 2852 in the spectra of alpha Gru, alpha Eri, and alpha Lyr, while placing upper limits on Mg I in the spectra of alpha CMa and alpha PsA. Observations of Mg II 2795, 2802 for these stars were also obtained with IUE and Copernicus. The column densities of Mg I and Mg II are used to place constraints on the temperature of the LISM.

The continuous spectra of the nearby BL Lac objects Mrk 180 and Mrk 501 have been investigated by making coordinated observations at X-ray, ultraviolet, optical, and radio wavelengths. The observations were planned in order to obtain single-epoch snapshots, or time-frozen spectra, of the emission at many different wavelengths. The spectra were fitted with spherically symmetric, synchrotron self-Compton models and relativistic jet models with relaxed assumptions of spherical geometry and homogeneity and allowance for relativistic motion. It is found that these models provide accurate fits to the observed spectra and tighter constraints on the physical parameters. These models are also not dependent on uncertain source size and synchrotron break frequency.

Recent International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) observations of two interacting binaries, R Arae and HD 207739 are reported. The ultraviolet spectra indicate the presence of optically-thick, variable hot plasma in those binary systems. These two binaries may belong to a class of binaries that are currently undergoing a rarely observed and probably short-lived phase in their evolution. Their properties are compared with those of two other interacting binaries, U Cephei and Beta Lyrae.

Attention is given to repeated observations of the two nearby BL Lac objects, Mrk 421 and PKS 0521-36, comparing the temporal behavior of their continuum in the 1300-3000 A range with that observed in intrinsically bright BL Lac objects and in Seyfert galaxies. Also discussed are the emission lines in the UV and optical spectrum of PKS 0521-36. It is suggested that the difference in variability pattern between BL Lac objects and Seyfert galaxies may be due to differences in the properties of the nonthermal continuum related to differences in accretion regimes, although it is more probably due to the presence of different continuum components in Seyfert galaxies. In BL Lac objects, the UV spectrum is likely to be synchrotron radiation from an optically thin source.

A table of spectral features, including narrow, very broad, and 'photospheric' lines, in the ultraviolet spectrum of the Wolf-Rayet binary gamma(2) Velorum is given together with radial velocities at phase 0.99. The very broad lines display P Cygni profiles. Ten weak absorption features are tentatively assigned to blends of numerous lines of Fe IV, and three other similar features are possibly due to Fe V blends. These iron lines appear to be associated with the Wolf-Rayet component. The narrow features are present with a wide range of ionization. The Si IV, and probably C IV, features are circumstellar, while the other narrow absorptions are either interstellar or possibly a combination of interstellar and circumstellar. A model is proposed for the outer layers of the extended envelope of the Wolf-Rayet star.

The concept of the precessing accretion disk in HZ Her/Her X-1 in its varied forms, to account for the 35 day periodicity in the X-ray flux, has met many objections from a number of workers on various grounds, but it is still being invoked in current publications. These objections are reviewed and additional arguments are presented against the precessing accretion disk model. The implausibility of the disk models is demonstrated. An alternate clock mechanism, based on nonlinear oscillations in the normal star, which provides the modulation of the mass flow is discussed.

Variations in the Mg II 2800-A doublet of Zeta Aurigae have been observed. The Mg II profiles deviate from simple P-Cygni profiles in that they exhibit an absorption feature consistent with Chapman's (1981) interpretation of C IV absorption as evidence of a column of accretion onto the B-star component of the binary. The opening angle of the shock cone containing the accretion column is found to exceed 16 deg, implying a stellar wind velocity of approximately 67 km/s, unless the H II region temperature is unusually high. The turbulence velocity of the wind then appears to be about 33 km/s, compared to values of order 10 km/s previously determined closer to the K-star surface.

The spectrum of Beta Lyrae from about 1975 to 3010 A taken with the Balloon-borne ultraviolet Stellar Spectrograph experiment in May 1976 at phase 0.61 P is analyzed. Results show the presence of N II semi-forbidden emission and provide evidence for about the same location, in the outer envelope of the system, of the layers responsible for the resonance Mg II doublet emissions and for the "narrow" H-alpha emission. In addition, three sets of absorption lines, P Cygni profiles of Fe III and broad Beals Type III emissions of Mg II, are found to be present.

Ultraviolet spectra of the peculiar eclipsing binary Epsilon Aurigae (FO Ia + ?) were obtained with the International Ultraviolet Explorer at pre-eclipse and ingress partial phases. The results show a wavelength dependence of the eclipse in contrast to the grayness (non-wavelength dependence) of the eclipse observed in visible light. From the current results, incorporating previous observations, it is suggested that: (1) the obscuration of the light of the F supergiant by the disk proposed by Huang (1965) is the result of electron scattering in visible light; (2) the increase in the eclipse depths toward shorter wavelengths observed in the ultraviolet is caused by dust; and (3) the temperature of the disk is in the range from 1000 to 2000 K.

A study has been conducted of eight white dwarfs, including seven DA and one He-rich types. The study is based on high-resolution observations conducted with the aid of the International Ultraviolet Explorer. Four of the dwarfs show features related to heavy elements which are not interstellar in origin. It is tentatively suggested that, at least in the hottest low-gravity DA white dwarfs, the observed narrow-lined features are formed in expanding halos or winds associated with the white dwarfs. Theoretically, stable white dwarf halos should actually be coronae with temperatures in excess of 1,000,000 K. However, the observed narrow-lined features do not suggest such high temperatures. The observed radial velocities suggest weak stellar winds in two hot white dwarfs, namely, G191-B2B and 2111+49. It is tentatively proposed that radiative levitation can explain the appearance of the observed metallic lines in the hot DA white dwarfs.

High resolution h (2802.7 A) and k (2795.5 A) lines Mg II obtained for the star Vega (Alpha Lyr, A0V) with Copernicus satellite and a balloon-borne ultraviolet stellar spectrometer (BUSS) are interpreted by means of theoretical NLTE line profiles in the frame work of complete (CR) and partial (PR) redistribution hypothesis. The PR profiles are remarkably coincident with the observed ones for a magnesium abundance Mg/H = 0.00001 and a projected rotation velocity v sin i = 17 km/s. LTE and NLTE atmospheric models with a temperature plateau or with temperature rises (depending on whether the atmosphere is in radiative equilibrium or not) are used to account for the possible presence of a chromosphere on Vega. The possible presence of an interstellar Mg II absorption line superimposed on the stellar ones is also discussed.

An LTE synthetic spectrum with Te = 7800 K and log g = 1 has been computed for the 2455-to-3230 A range of Epsilon Aurigae (F0 1a). This has been compared with the spectra observed with 0.2 A resolution with the IUE experiment and with 0.1 A resolution with the BUSS experiment. As a consequence of this comparison, identifications and abundance values have been obtained. Ions definitely present include Mg I, Mg II, Al I, Al II, Si I, Ca II, Ti II, V II, Cr II, Mn II, Fe I, Fe II, Co II, Ni I, Ni II, Zr II. Ions which are possibly present include Ti III, Mn I, Fe III, Nb II, Mo I. The abundances are nearly 10 times the solar values for the iron group, with the exception of Fe, which has solar abundance. The abundances of the other elements are solar.

(Previously announced in STAR as N82-27198)

Multiple stacked IUE spectra reveal the presence of interstellar C I 1657 in the trough of a corresponding photospheric feature in the nearby star, Alpha PsA (d = 7 pc). This represents the first detection of this neutral atom in the interstellar medium within the immediate vicinity of the sun. It is suggested that C I may be a much better diagnostic tool in studying the local interstellar medium than the neutral species K I and Na I, which are observable at visual wavelengths. Variations in C I column density, coupled with b-values deduced from the Mg II doublet ratio, may prove to be an important means to unravel density and temperature fluctuations in the very local interstellar medium. Comparison of the line of sight toward Alpha PsA with previous Copernicus interstellar Mg II results for that of Alpha Leo tentatively indicates that the distribution of Mg II in the local cloud is not homogeneous about the sun. Rough constraints on the ionization fraction of hydrogen toward Alpha PsA do not conflict with previous data, implying that the very local interstellar medium is significantly ionized.

Four low-resolution UV spectra of v1 Sgr (cK2) were obtained with the IUE satellite to investigate the nature of the hot component in this object, which was detected in the Astronomical Netherlands Satellite UV photometric data. The IUE results show that the spectral energy distribution of v1 Sgr in the FUV is comparable to that of a B9 star. FUV flux level, when compared with that of the mid-ultraviolet flux level, indicates that the luminosity of the hot component is roughly equivalent to that of a main-sequence star, assuming that the mid-ultraviolet flux is dominated almost entirely by a K2 I object. No discernible spectral features are present in the FUV, contrary to what may be expected in a star of B9 spectral type. Two possible interpretations are suggested: the hot component is a rapidly rotating star, or an accretion disk surrounding a central object which could be a collapsed star is being observed.

The possibility of mass flow due to the heating of the cooler component in a close binary system has been investigated. The heating may be caused by irradiation from the hotter companion or by other mechanisms such as the spacial coincidence of non-linear 'g-mode' oscillations in the cooler star. The 2.4-day period binary U Cep, in which gas streaming has been observed, has been chosen for model calculations. Preliminary results show that such a heating of the lower atmosphere of the cooler star could lead to mass flow at an average rate of 10 to the -9th - 10 to the -7th solar mass per year without the star necessarily filling its critical Roche surface.

The high resolution ultraviolet spectra of the 4.4-day period binary R Arae, observed in 1980 with the International Ultraviolet Explorer, show that its continuum flux level varied outside the eclipse by more than a factor of two in ten days, and by over 50 percent within the same orbital cycle. The flux level varied nonmonotonically at different wavelengths. The resonance lines of Mg II and Si IV exhibited shortward-shifted absorption components near phase 0.4, indicating the presence of a gas stream toward the observer at a velocity of some -450 to -500 km/s. The observations of R Arae with the Einstein satellite show it to be an X-ray source.

The close binary system Gamma(2) Vel, consisting of a WC8 and an O9 I star, has been observed in the ultraviolet at various phases. Preliminary analysis of selected data shows that the temperature of the stellar wind from this binary increases outward. This suggests that an additional source of energy other than radiation pressure may exist for the wind. The mass flow occurs in all directions from the binary. However, there is evidence of an increase in the mass flow through the third Lagrangian point, although from the extant data it is not possible to decide whether or not a similar increase in the mass outflow occurs through the second Lagrangian point. There is also evidence of mass surge, which probably is independent of orbital phase.

The profiles are virtually identical with the solar profiles except for the presence of an absorption feature near line center in the h and k lines of Alpha Centauri A. It is found that this absorption feature can be explained by interstellar absorption of Mg II along the line of sight. The average density of Mg II is found to be 2.75 plus or minus 0.7 x 10 to the -7th/cu cm, in good agreement with the previously determined values in the solar vicinity in the direction of Alpha CMa and Alpha Lyr.

High-resolution spectra of the nearby (48 pc) white dwarf G191-B2B, obtained with the International Ultraviolet Explorer, reveal sharp resonance lines of N V, C IV, and Si IV. The origin of these features is most likely linked to the white dwarf, possibly being formed in an expanding halo around the star. Interstellar lines of C II, N I, Mg II, Si II, and Fe II are also seen in the spectrum. Analysis of these features indicates an average neutral hydrogen number density of 0.064 for this line of sight. In combination with the recent EUV and soft X-ray results, this is interpreted to mean that the interstellar medium in the most immediate solar vicinity is of the normal density n approximately equal to 0.1/cu cm of lower ionization, while just beyond it, at least in some directions, is a hot lower density plasma. These results are apparently in conflict with the model of the interstellar medium by McKee and Ostriker (1977) in its present form.

High resolution spectra of the eclipsing binary UW CMa have been obtained in the wavelength range 950 to 3200 A with the Copernicus (OAO-3) and IUE satellites. UW CMa is an interacting system, consisting of an 07f Ia primary and an O-B secondary. The spectra have been used to compile a list of stellar and interstellar lines. Identifications together with position and laboratory wavelengths are given. The spectra are dominated by envelope (P Cygni) lines. Numerous, but less conspicuous photospheric absorption lines from the 07f component are present. In addition, a wealth of interstellar lines appear.

It is noted that 11 high-resolution spectra in the far-ultraviolet and two high-resolution spectra in the mid-ultraviolet were obtained. A high-velocity stellar wind exists as indicated by narrow shortward-displaced absorption features superposed on the P Cygni lines of N V, Si IV, and C IV. Absorption lines caused by N IV and C III are present and show nonorbital velocities of about -50 to -150 km/sec. Several weak photospheric lines of the primary star are detected. A few lines of Fe IV and Fe V are detectable near phase 0.50 and, less prominently, near phase 0.00. It is noted that the He II absorption line appears doubled except near phases 0.00 and 0.50 and that the weaker component appears to be attributable to the secondary component of the system. The mean velocity of the stellar wind is -1879 + or - 51(p.e.) km/sec and is nearly constant over the period of observation, although the absorption strength is found to vary.

Observations in the X-ray, UV, visible, IR and radio regions of the BL Lac object Mrk 501 made over the course of two months are reported. The measurements were made with the A2 experiment on HEAO 1 (X-ray), the SWP and LWR cameras on IUE (UV), the 5-m Hale telescope (visible), the 2.5-m telescope at Mount Wilson (IR), the NRAO 92-m radio telescope at Green Bank (4750 MHz) and the 46-m radio telescope at the Algonquin Observatory (10275 and 10650 MHz). The quasi-simultaneously observed spectral slope is found to be positive and continuous from the X-ray to the UV, but to gradually flatten and possibly turn down from the mid-UV to the visible; the optical-radio emission cannot be accounted for by a single power law. The total spectrum is shown to be compatible with a synchrotron self-Compton emission mechanism, while the spectrum from the visible to the X-ray is consistent with synchrotron radiation or inverse-Compton scattering by a hot thermal electron cloud. The continuity of the spectrum from the UV to the X-ray is noted to imply a total luminosity greater than previous estimates by a factor of 3-4.

The manner of mass flow in close binary systems is examined with a special view to the role of the so-called critical Roche (or Jacobian) lobe, taking into consideration relevant physical conditions such as radiation pressure that may affect the restricted three-body problem treatment. The mass does not necessarily flow from component one to component two through the L1 point to form a gaseous ring surrounding the latter. These considerations are applied to X-ray binaries with early-type optical components, such as Cyg X-1 (HDE 226868) and 3U 1700 - 37 (HD 153919). In the two bright close binary systems Beta Lyr and UW CMa, which are believed to be undergoing dynamic mass transfer, recent Copernicus observations show that the gas giving rise to the prominent ultraviolet emission lines surrounds the entire binary system rather than merely component two. Implications of these observations are also discussed.

Equipotential surfaces incorporating the effect of radiation pressure were computed for the X-ray binaries Cen X-3, Cyg X-1 = HDE 226868, Vela XR-1 = 3U 0900-40 = HD 77581, and 3U 1700-37 = HD 153919. The topology of the equipotential surfaces is significantly affected by radiation pressure. In particular, the so-called critical Roche (Jacobian) lobes, the traditional figure 8's, do not exist. The effects of these results on modeling X-ray binaries are discussed.

A hot companion to the G5 III star HR 3080, a single-line spectroscopic binary, has been discovered from spectra in the vacuum-ultraviolet. The companion must be a subdwarf or pre-white dwarf. A list of previously known systems of the zeta Aur and VV Cep type observed with the ultraviolet spectrograph on Skylab is also given.

High-resolution UV spectrophotometry of the complex close binary system beta Lyrae was performed with a telescope spectrometer on board Copernicus. Observations were made at phases 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 with resolutions of 0.2 A (far-UV) and 0.4 A (mid-UV). The far-UV spectrum is completely dominated by emission lines indicating the existence of a high-temperature plasma in this binary. The spectrum of this object is unlike that of any other object observed from Copernicus. It is believed that this high-temperature plasma results from dynamic mass transfer taking place in the binary. The current results are compared with OAO-2 observations and other observational results. The possibility that the secondary component is a collapsed object is also discussed; the Copernicus observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the spectroscopically invisible secondary component is a black hole.