SPECTROSCOPY OF SAKURAI.S OBJECT IN SAGITTARIUS: THE EVOLUTION OF A FINAL HELIUM SHELL FLASH

these observations represent our first chance to monitor the far ir evolution of the final helium shell flash of an evolved star. given the rarity of such an event, it is likely that iso will be the only space mission to see such an event for a very long time indeed. the iso data will provide unparalleled and unique spectroscopic information on the nature of the material generated in such an event by its very nature we have no direct knowledge of what to expect. however, judging from the 2 previous events of this kind, it seems almost certain that there will be numerous ionisation species, a dust component, and freefree emission. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]