The UV and optical properties of Old Novae

We have examined the UV and optical properties of twenty old-novae observed with IUE. The de-reddened continuum energy distribution of all stars is well described by a power-law distribution F_λ∼λ^-α with α ranging from 0.0 (GK Per) to 2.7 (V841 Oph). Our new values of E_B-V have led to new estimates of the UV luminosities which range from less than 1 L_⊙ (DQ Her) to as much as 70 L_⊙ (HR Del and T Pyx). A tight correlation exists between L_UV and M_V^min, and both these quantities show a definite correlation with the system inclination angle cos i, with the notable exceptions of the extra slow nova HR Del and of the recurrent nova T Pyx that are too bright.