Spectrum of RX J0806.3+1527

The spectrum of RX J0806.3+1527, obtained with the FORS1 multi-mode instrument on VLT ANTU. Many emission lines of ionized helium (He II) and some of doubly ionized carbon (C III) and nitrogen (N III) are seen. They testify to the very high surface temperature of the stars in this system. The image is derived from an 18 000 second spectral exposure with FORS1 on VLT ANTU in January 2001.