The ultraviolet spectrum of the T Tauri star RW Aurigae

Ultraviolet spectra of the T Tauri star RW Aurigae have been obtained with the International Ultraviolet Explorer. Emission lines include Mg II, Fe II, Cr II, Si I, Si II, Si III, Si IV, C II, C IV, and L alpha. The spectrum roughly resembles the solar chromospheric spectrum, but the surface fluxes are 200 times greater. N V and He II appear to be absent, a possible indication of either an extended chromosphere cooled by mass loss or an optically thick, hot shocked region. The ultraviolet excess in RW Aur is strong, consistent with Balmer continuum emission. The observed continuum may be used to set limits on the type and amount of extinction affecting the star.