Ultraviolet spectroscopy of the Vela supernova remnant

A preliminary ultraviolet spectrum secured from the IUE satellite, of a bright filament in the Vela supernova remnant, displays both emission-line and continuum components. The emission-line spectrum shows the same anomalously low carbon-line strength reported previously for the Cygnus Loop. The continuum emission may be explained in terms of normal recombination processes in hydrogen and helium in a dense hot knot which dominates the field. The interpretation of the UV spectrum is supported by optical data for this region of Vela. (9 refs).