Abstract
A low-dispersion spectrum is presented for the recurrent nova U Scorpii after its return to post-outburst quiescence. The measured brightness and observed spectral features are the same as when it was observed serendipitously before the 1979 outburst. The spectrum shows He II emission lines on a nearly featureless continuum; as reported earlier by Williams et al. (1981), hydrogen is seen neither in emission nor in absorption. A spectral type of G0 (±5) V is inferred from identified absorption features (CaH and K lines, the Mg b triplet) and JHK infrared photometry; however, it is not possible to rule out a giant star as the companion object. If it is indeed a dwarf, U Sco lies at a distance of ∼3.5±1.5kpc.

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