UV Spectral Classification of B Stars

Previous studies of ultraviolet spectral classification have been insufficient to establish a comprehensive classification system for ultraviolet spectra of early-type stars because of inadequate spectral resolution. We have initiated a new study of ultraviolet spectral classification of B stars using high-dispersion IUE archival data. High-dispersion SWP spectra of MK standards and other B stars are retrieved from the IUE archives and numerically degraded to a uniform resolution of 0.25 or 0.50 Å. The spectra (in the form of plots or photowrites) are then visually examined with the aim of setting up a two-dimensional classification matrix. We follow the method used to create the MK classification system for visual spectra. The purpose of this work is to examine the applicability of the MK system (and in particular, the set of standard stars) in the ultraviolet, and to establish classification criteria in this spectral region.