Fundamental Problems in Astrophysics

Authors: Castro, Ana; Wamsteker, Willem; Barstow, Martin; Brosch, Noah; Kappelmann, Norbert; Kollatchny, Wollfram; Martino, Domitilla; Pagano, Isabella; Étangs, Alain; Ehenreich, David; Reimers, Dieter; Delgado, Rosa; Najarro, Francisco; Linsky, Jeff

Source: Astrophysics and Space Science, Volume 303, Numbers 1-4, June 2006 , pp. 133-145(13)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Progress of modern astrophysics requires the access to the electromagnetic spectrum in the broadest energy range. The Ultraviolet is a fundamental energy domain since it is one of the most powerful tool to study plasmas at temperatures in the 3,000-300,000 K range as well as electronic transitions of the most abundant molecules in the Universe. Moreover, the UV radiation field is a powerful astrochemical and photoionizing agent.

The objective of this review is to describe the crucial issues that require access to the UV range. A summary has been added to the end with a more classic view of UV needs by astronomical object type; this approach is followed at length in the rest of the contributions of this issue.

Keywords: UV astronomy

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10509-006-9057-4

Publication date: 2006-06-01