Mission Overview

Map of Observations

Copernicus observations

Wavelength Coverage

Copernicus wavelength coverage plot

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

Documentation

Search Tools

Supplemental Links

Copernicus Images

Slideshow

Map showing position, number of observations, and magnitudes
Map showing position, number of observations, and magnitudes
Spectral Resolution
Spectral Resolution
Satellite Drawing
Satellite Drawing
Satellite
Satellite