Satellite Observations of Cataclysmic Variables

The nature of cataclysmic variables (CVs) is discussed and the results of various satellite observations of CVs are assessed. In the early 1970, the dwarf nova EX Hydrae was discovered by Uhuru, and Ariel 5 and HEAO 1 confirmed U Geminorum and SS Cygni as hard X-ray sources. The Einstein satellite in the late 1970s found large numbers of CVs, enabling the study of their energy output in a wide range of spectral bands. The IUE confirmed the thermonuclear nature of classical novae and studied high-velocity winds in dwarf novae. X-ray observations also resulted in the discovery of magnetic variables, whose nature is discussed.