Fundamental Problems in Astrophysics
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.
- Publication:
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Astrophysics and Space Science
- Pub Date:
- June 2006
- DOI:
- 10.1007/s10509-006-9057-4
- Bibcode:
- 2006Ap&SS.303..133G
- Keywords:
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- UV astronomy