Argentine Research Proposal for WSO/UV

Very important progress in science was achieved through the observation with the IUE satellite. However, this mission also left many new open questions. Undoubtedly, WSO/UV would bring light on many of these fundamental problems on astronomy. Let´s summarize some of them:

To reach an understanding of the genesis and behavior of the so-called discrete absorption components in early-type stars.

To reach a better understanding of the symbiotic objects, most of which have been observed in the UV range only in the low dispersion mode.

To ascertain the meaning of the abnormal intensity ratio of the Si IV and C IV features in some close binaries outside of the principal eclipse, thus clarifying the question of possible abundance anomalies in Algol-type systems (overabundance of N and underabundance of C).

To greatly extend the range of objects observed with high dispersion and high resolution in the UV.

To acquire better knowledge of those object that looked interesting and could only be observed with low dispersion with the IUE.

To acquire better information in the UV of those objects in other galaxies like the LMC.

To help identifying close binaries that might be at or close to the stage of rapid mass loss.

To analize the nuclei of planetary nebulae in the galaxy and the LMC.

To understand the actual structure of the broad profiles and the wind regime of central stars of planetary nebulae.

To investigate the presence of magnetic fields and Zeeman patterns in early-type stars.

To study the Balmer continuum, particularly close to the Balmer limit, in Be and Of stars.

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