The Ultraviolet Spectrum of 3 Centauri a.

A list of identifications is given for 63 lines measured on a Radcliffe coude spectrogram of the region xx 31 700 in the spectrum of 3 Cen A (B4p). Lines of Mn II are present; the resonance Be ii doublet x 3130 is absent. We derive relative abundances or upper limits for Be and the iron-peak elements by comparison with a Lyr (A0 V). The abundance ratio Mn: Fe is normal in 3 Cen A; that of Ni: Fe is a little low; the abundance of Be is less than, or equal to, that in a Lyr, while the abundance ratio Cr: Fe is lower in 3 Cen A than in a Lyr by a factor of more than about 40. We discuss the possible relationship between 3 Cen A and the magnetic peculiar A stars in the light of these new results.