First Results from the FUSE Mission

Abstract

Abstract. The Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) provides high-resolution spectroscopy at far ultraviolet (FUV) wavelengths (905-1187A) of many astronomical objects in order to address fundamental questions related to the origin of the universe. FUSE, a cooperative project of the United States, Canada, and France, was launched in June 1999 for a three-year primary mission. The instrument sensitivity permits studies of many extragalactic sources at high spectral resolution. The key science drivers for the mission design are absorption-line spectroscopy of the ISM and IGM to investigate D/H, O VI, and molecular hydrogen abundances and distribution in the Galaxy and beyond t o z~ 0.3. Most of the observing time is available to Guest Investigators. This Joint Discussion summarizes some of the scientific results determined primarily from the first several months of FUSE observations.