Two examples of spectral segments recorded of η Car plus Weigelt blobs B and D. Top: the spectral region from 2518 to 2560 Å. Bottom: the spectral region from 7000 to 7140 Å. The two segments within each spectral region are from the low state (March 1998) and the ensuing high state (February 1999). Each spectral segment reproduces spatially resolved slit spectra that extends from 03 above to 03 below η Car with the HST/STIS long slit oriented at  − 28°. In the near ultraviolet (top pair of spectra), the diffraction limit of HST (0065 in the mid-ultraviolet) separates η Car and each of the Weigelt blobs. Differences between Weigelt B and D in individual line brightnesses are noticeable. In the red (bottom pair of spectra), the diffraction limit is nearly three times wider. Due to HST spatial diffraction limits, separation of the two blobs is no longer possible at 7100 Å. Bright continuum of η Car and nebular scattered starlight contaminate the Weigelt condensation emission line spectra. Major changes between the low and high states are quite noticeable especially in the ultraviolet.