Mission Overview
Map of Observations
Wavelength Coverage
The Copernicus satellite, known initially as the Orbiting Astrophysical Observatory 3, obtained high-resolution spectra in the far- and near-ultraviolet of 551 UV sources, mostly bright stars. The satellite also featured an X-ray experiment, the data for which are hosted at HEASARC. The Copernicus mission was a collaboration between NASA and the SERC of the United Kingdom, and was operated by Princeton University (PI: Lyman Spitzer).
Active From
August, 1972 - February, 1981
Resolution
U1 channel: R ~ 23,000
U2 channel: R ~ 5,000
Capabilities
- UV Spectroscopy
Documentation
Search Tools
Supplemental Links
Copernicus Images
Slideshow
Map showing position, number of observations, and magnitudes
Spectral Resolution
Satellite Drawing
Satellite
