White Dwarfs in Cataclysmic Variables: Low State IUE Observations of V794 Aquilae, MR Serpentis, and an Ursae Majoris

Abstract

The authors have obtained IUE low dispersion observations of one nova-like system (V794 Aql) and two AM Her systems (MR Ser and AN UMa) during low or intermediate low accretion rate states. The decreased UV emission during these times was used to place limits on the white dwarf temperatures. When these results are added to the existing data on white dwarf temperatures, it appears that the white dwarfs in systems with normal high accretion rates and only occasional low accretion rate states remain hotter than the white dwarfs in systems with low average accretion rates.