UV spectroscopy of the novalike variable TT Arietis

TT Ari was detected by Strohmeier et al. (1957) and is classified as a novalike variable. It was hitherto unclear whether TT Ari is a special type of dwarf nova or an old nova. The authors' group obtained a total of four IUE spectra between 1979 and 1981 in the short and long wavelength region. The first spectrum was taken in July 1979, when the system had a visual brightness of 11.3 magnitudes. The following two IUE observations in November 1980 revealed TT Ari in the lowest optical state (V = 14m.3) observed so far. The fourth spectrum was obtained during the rise to maximum in January 1981, when the system had an apparent magnitude of V = 11m.8. From this behavior, Krautter et al. (1981) concluded that TT Ari is a dwarf nova with extremely extended standstills as they are typical for Z Cam stars. (Auth.)