Chromospheres and transition regions

The properties of stellar chromospheres are examined, summarizing the results of observations obtained with the IUE satellite since its launch in 1978. Numerous sample spectra, graphs, and diagrams are presented and analyzed in detail. Consideration is given to 120-320-nm spectroscopy of main-sequence stars, giants, and supergiants; the global properties of main-sequence and post-main-sequence chromospheres; dynamic phenomena and structures (systematic flows, atmospheric inhomogeneities, and intrinsic variability); and structural and energy-balance modeling. A number of outstanding problems are listed, and the potential value of data from the Hubble Space Telescope and the Lyman FUV Spectroscopic Explorer in solving them is indicated.