Changes in the ultraviolet spectrum of the mass-losing Be star 59 Cygni

Observations of a few selected wavelength regions in the ultraviolet spectrum of the Be star 59 Cyg, obtained in 1975 November, are compared with the complete low-resolution Copernicus scan of the same star obtained in 1972 October. Changes in the spectrum between the two times are discussed and interpreted in terms of the two distinct shell episodes revealed by optical data. A wide range of ionization exists from Fe III to N V, with a range in radial velocity of approximately 1000 km/s. Changes in the Si III, Si IV, and N V absorption arising in the stellar wind show that the velocity structure of the wind may have changed, and that the ionization balance also was altered over the 3 year interim.