First XMM-Newton observations of a cataclysmic variable II: the X-ray spectrum of OY Car

Abstract

We present XMM-Newton X-ray spectra of the disc accreting cataclysmic variable OY Car, which were obtained during the performance verification phase of the mission. These data were taken 4 days after a short outburst. In the EPIC spectra we find strong iron Kalpha emission with weaker iron Kbeta emission together with silicon and sulphur lines. The spectra are best fitted with a three temperature plasma model with a partial covering absorber. Multiple temperature emission is confirmed by the emission lines seen in the RGS spectrum and the H/He like intensity ratio for iron and sulphur which imply temperatures of ~7keV and ~3keV respectively.