Ultraviolet Sky Surveys

Abstract

I review the development of UV and EUV astronomy, covering the spectral range from 5 to 300 nm, with emphasis on sky surveys for discrete sources. I discuss studies which resulted in lists of sources observed by imaging. The missions are compared in terms of their "survey power", a variable which combines sky coverage and survey depth. I describe UV missions which will detect faint sources and will fly in the near future, and present a wish list for low-cost ventures, which could advance considerably the knowledge of the UV sky.