The nova-like variable KQ Mon and the nature of the UX Ursa Majoris stars
The KQ Mon is a UX UMa type nova-like variable discovered by Howard Bond. Optical spectra taken by Bond in 1978 reveal very shallow Balmer absorption lines and He I absorption. Bond also did UBV and high speed photometry in 1978 and early 1981. There has been no evidence of orbital variations but the appearance of the optical spectrum and the presence of low amplitude flickering suggested a strong similarity to CD-42-14462 (=V3885 Sgr) and other members of the UX UMa class. Low dispersion observations of KQ Mon were made with the International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite. Six spectra taken with the shot wavelength prime camera are dominated by strong broad absorption lines due to N V, O I, Si III, Si IV, C IV, He II, N IV, and Al III. There is little evidence of orbital phase modulation over the time baseline of the observations. Unlike UV observations of other UX UMa type objects, KQ Mon exhibits no emission lines or P Cygni type profiles and the velocity displacements appear to be smaller, suggesting the absence of a hot, high velocity wind characterizing other UX UMa stars. The relationship of KQ Mon to other UX UMa disk stars is discussed and a model is suggested to explain their observed properties and the lack of major outbursts.