FUSE 900-1200A Spectroscopy of AM Her

Abstract

Spectra of the magnetic white dwarf binary AM Her were obtained with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) during three consecutive spacecraft orbits. These observations were split into 19 spectra of about 5 min duration (0.025P binary phase) partially covering the binary orbit. We report the phase-related changes in the far ultraviolet continuum light curve and the emission lines, noting particularly the behavior of O VI. We discuss the fluxes and velocities of the narrow and broad O VI emissions. We find the FUV light curve has maximum amplitude at ~1000A, although at shorter wavelengths the continuum may be strongly affected by overlapping Lyman lines. Weak, narrow Lyman absorption lines are present. Their velocities don't appear to vary over the observed orbital phases, and their mean value is consistent with the systemic velocity.