The UV spectrum of AE Aqr.

Abstract

Ultraviolet spectra of the cataclysmic variable AE Aquarii obtained by the IUE satellite are reported. They show strong emission lines on a weak continuum. It is shown that while Mg II, Ca II and some L-alpha emission probably arise in optically thin regions of the accretion disc, the higher ionization species must be radiatively produced outside the disk to explain the observations. The parameters required of the ionizing radiation suggest that it comes from the hot inner part of the disc.