Context: Classical nova progenitors are cataclysmic variables and very old novae are observed to match high mass transfer rate and (relatively) long orbital period systems. However, the aftermath of a classical nova has never been studied in detail. Aims: To probe the aftermath of a classical nova explosion in cataclysmic variables and observe as the binary system relaxes to quiescence. Methods: We used multi-wavelength time resolved optical and near-infrared spectroscopy for a bright, well studied classical nova five years after outburst. We were able to disentangle the contribution of the ejecta at this late epoch using its previous characterization, separating the ejecta emission from that of the binary system. Results: We determined the binary orbital period (P=3.76 hr), the system separation and mass ratio (q>=0.17 for an assumed white dwarf mass of 1.2 solar masses). We find evidence of an irradiated secondary star and no unambiguous signature of an accretion disk, although we identify a second emission line source tied to the white dwarf with an impact point. The data are consistent with a bloated white dwarf envelope and the presence of unsettled gas within the white dwarf Roche lobe. Conclusions: At more than 5 years after eruption, it appears that this classical nova has not yet relaxed.
The nova outburst of V407 Cyg in 2010 Mar. 10 was the first observed for this star but its close resemblance to the well known symbiotic-like recurrent nova RS Oph suggests that it is also a member of this rare type of Galactic novae. The nova was the first detected at $γ$-ray energies and is the first known nova explosion for this system. The extensive multiwavelength coverage of this outburst makes it an ideal comparison with the few other outbursts known for similar systems. We extend our previous analysis of the Mira and the expanding shock from the explosion to detail the time development…
We present Atacama Large Millimeter-Submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations of CK Vulpeculae which is identified with "Nova Vulpeculae 1670". They trace obscuring dust in the inner regions of the associated nebulosity. The dust forms two cocoons, each extending ~5 arcsec north and south of the presumed location of the central star. Brighter emission is in a more compact east-west structure (2 arcsec by 1 arcsec) where the cocoons intersect. We detect line emission in NH$_2$CHO, CN, four organic molecules and C$^{17}$O. CN lines trace bubbles within the dusty cocoons; CH$_3$OH a north-south S-s…
Unique Nova Centauri 2005, V1047 Cen, by a form of the modified light curve was included into the CP Pup group. It means that the re-brightening in 2019 occurred still during the finishal stage of the 2005 outburst and can be connected with the current activity of the post-nova. The light curve of V1047 Cen in 2019 as a separate event is some details similar to the HR Del, Nova Del 1967, and also it is distinguish considerable from dwarf nova outbursts in post-nova systems (GK Per, etc.). There is proposed possible correct identification of Nova Sgr 1970, V3645 Sgr, which was included into the…
We have observed 8 faint cataclysmic variable stars photometrically. The nova-like Car2 was extensively sampled but showed little variability. V1040 Cen was observed near the end of a dwarf nova outburst and possessed dwarf nova and quasi-periodic oscillations. Ha 075648 has strong large amplitude flickering and a possible orbital modulation at 3.49 h. The correct identification for the nova remnant IL Nor (Nova Nor 1893) has been established. HS Pup (Nova Pup 1963) has a possible orbital period of 3.244 h. SDSS J2048-06 is a low mass transfer dwarf nova that in quiescence shows slow variation…
Nova Cen 2013 (V1369 Cen) is the fourth bright nova observed panchromatically through high resolution UV+optical multi epoch spectroscopy. It is also the nova with the richest set of spectra (both in terms of data quality and number of epochs) thanks to its exceptional brightness. Here, we use the late nebular spectra taken between day ~250 and day ~837 after outburst to derive the physical, geometrical and kinematical properties of the nova. We compare the results with those determined for the other panchromatic studies in this series: T Pyx, V339 Del (nova Del 2013), and V959 Mon (nova Mon 2…
We present early high resolution spectroscopic observations of the nova V1369 Cen. We have detected an absorption feature at 6695.6 Å\, that we have identified as blue--shifted $^7$Li I $λ$6708 Å. The absorption line, moving at -550 km/s, was observed in five high-resolution spectra of the nova obtained at different epochs. On the basis of the intensity of this absorption line we infer that a single nova outburst can inject in the Galaxy $M_{Li} =$ 0.3 - 4.8 $\times 10^{-10}$ M$_{\odot}$. Given the current estimates of Galactic nova rate, this amount is sufficient to explain the puzzling origi…
We present the results of a photometric campaign of the dwarf nova V1040 Cen. The light curve shows two normal outbursts with recurrence time ~ 40 days and amplitude ~ 2.5 mag. Quiescence data show oscillations with periods in the range ~ 0.1 days (2.4 h) to ~ 0.5 days (12 h) of unknown origin. We measured the orbital period of V1040 Cen to be P_orb=0.060458(80) days (1.451+-0.002 h). Based on the M_v-P_orb relation we found the distance of V1040 Cen to be 137+-31 pc. In this paper we also report the detection of eleven new variable stars in the field of the monitored dwarf nova.
Here we report the recovery of the binary underlying the classical nova of 11 March 1437 A.D. whose age is independently confirmed by proper motion-dating, and show that in the 20th century it exhibits dwarf nova eruptions. The four oldest recovered classical novae are now all dwarf novae. Taken together they strongly suggest that mass transfer rates decrease by an order of magnitude or more in the centuries after a classical nova event, greatly slowing the evolution, and lengthening the lifetimes of these explosive binary stars.
Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center（尼古拉·哥白尼天文学中心）；Institut de Ciències del Cosmos (ICCUB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB)（巴塞罗那大学宇宙科学研究所）；Departament de Física Quàntica i Astrofísica (FQA), Universitat de Barcelona (UB)（巴塞罗那大学量子物理与天体物理学系）；Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC)（加泰罗尼亚空间研究研究所）
The Z Cam-type dwarf nova AT Cnc displays a classical nova (CN) shell, demonstrating that mass transfer in cataclysmic binaries decreases substantially after a CN eruption. The hibernation scenario of cataclysmic binaries predicts such a decrease, on a timescale of a few centuries. In order to measure the time since AT Cnc's last CN eruption, we have measured the radial velocities of a hundred clumps in its ejecta with SITELLE, CFHT's recently commissioned imaging Fourier transform spectrometer. These range from -455 to +490 km/s. Coupled with the known distance to AT Cnc of 460 pc (Shara 2012…
We have started a project to investigate the connection of post-novae with the population of cataclysmic variables. Our first steps in this concern improving the sample of known post-novae and their properties. Here we present the recovery and/or confirmation of the old novae MT Cen, V812 Cen, V655 CrA, IL Nor, V2109 Oph, V909 Sgr, V2572 Sgr, and V728 Sco. Principal photometric and spectroscopic properties of these systems are discussed. We find that V909 Sgr is a probable magnetic CV, and that V728 Sco is a high-inclination system. We furthermore suggest that the two candidate novae V734 Sco …
Cataclysmic variable stars (CVs) are close binary systems consisting of a white dwarf (primary) that is accreting matter from a low-mass companion star (secondary). From time to time such systems undergo large-amplitude brightenings. The most spectacular eruptions, over $10^4$ times in brightness, occur in classical novae and are caused by a thermonuclear runaway on the surface of the white dwarf. Such eruptions are thought to recur on timescales of $10^4-10^6$. In between, the system's properties depend primarily on the mass-transfer rate: if it is lower than a $10^{-9} M_{\odot}$/year, the a…
Fourteen years after its eruption as a classical nova (CN), V1047 Cen (Nova Cen 2005) began an unusual re-brightening in 2019 April. The amplitude of the brightening suggests that this is a dwarf nova (DN) eruption in a CN system. Very few CNe have had DN eruptions within decades of the main CN outburst. The 14 years separating the CN and DN eruptions of V1047 Cen is the shortest of all instances recorded thus far. Explaining this rapid succession of CN and DN outbursts in V1047 Cen may be challenging within the framework of standard theories for DN outbursts. Following a CN eruption, the mass…
The classical nova V2491 Cyg was once suggested to be a recurrent nova. We have broadly reproduced the light curve of V2491 Cyg by a nova outburst model on a cold $1.36~M_\odot$ white dwarf (WD), which strongly suggests that V2491 Cyg is a classical nova outbursting on a cold very massive WD rather than a recurrent nova outbursting on a warmer WD like the recurrent nova RS Oph. In a long-term evolution of a cataclysmic binary, an accreting WD has been settled down to a thermal equilibrium state with the balance of gravitational energy release and neutrino loss. The central temperature of the W…
We present ground-based optical and near infrared photometric observations and Hubble Space Telescope COS spectroscopic observations of the old nova V842 Cen (Nova Cen 1986). Analysis of the optical light curves reveals a peak at 56.5 +/- 0.3s with an amplitude of 8.9 +/- 4.2 mma, which is consistent with the rotation of a magnetic white dwarf primary in V842 Cen that was detected earlier by Woudt et al., and led to its classification as an intermediate polar.However, our UV lightcurve created from the COS time-tag spectra does not show this periodicity. Our synthetic spectral analysis of an H…
Novae are some of the most commonly detected optical transients and have the potential to provide valuable information about binary evolution. Binary population synthesis codes have emerged as the most effective tool for modelling populations of binary systems, but such codes have traditionally employed greatly simplified nova physics, precluding detailed study. In this work, we implement a model treating H and He novae as individual events into the binary population synthesis code \binaryc. This treatment of novae represents a significant improvement on the `averaging' treatment currently emp…
Even among the brigher cataclysmic variables an appreciable number of objects exist about which not much is known. One of them, MU Cen, was observed as part of a small project to better characterize these neglected systems. The temporal variations of the brightness of MU Cen during quiescence were studied in order to find clues to the structure of the system and its behaviour on time scales of hours and shorter. Light curves observed in white light at a time resolution of a few seconds and with a duration of several hours, obtained in six nights and spanning a total time base of five months, w…
Over the last 40 years, multi-frequency observations, coupled with advances in theoretical modelling, have led to a much fuller understanding of the nova phenomenon. Here I give a brief review of the current state of knowledge of Classical and Recurrent Novae including their central systems; the causes and consequences of their outbursts; sub-types, and possible relationships to Type Ia Supernovae. Particular attention is paid to the Recurrent Nova RS Ophiuchi as it shows a wealth of phenomena associated with its 2006 outburst. Finally, some open questions and avenues for future work are summa…
The old nova V728 Sco has been recently recovered via photometric and spectroscopic observations, 150 years after the nova eruption. The spectral properties pointed to a high-inclination system with a comparatively low mass-transfer rate. In this paper we show that the object is an eclipsing system with an orbital period of 3.32 h. It has enhanced long-term variability that can be interpreted as 'stunted' dwarf-nova-type outbursts. Using the ingress and egress times of the eclipsed components we calculate the radius of the central object. The latter turns out to be significantly larger than a …
The morphology and optical spectrum of IPHASXJ210205+471015, a nebula classified as a possible planetary nebula, are however strikingly similar to those of ATCnc, a classical nova shell around a dwarf nova. To investigate its true nature, we have obtained high-resolution narrow-band [O III] and [N II] images and deep GTC OSIRIS optical spectra. The nebula shows an arc of [N II]-bright knots notably enriched in nitrogen, whilst an [O III]-bright bow-shock is progressing throughout the ISM. Diagnostic line ratios indicate that shocks are associated with the arc and bow-shock. The central star of…
We briefly present the spectroscopic evolution of the recent outburst of the classical nova V1369 Cen, and the presence of a narrow absorption line identified as due to the resonance of neutral lithium at 6708 Å. We also discuss the consequences for the chemical evolution of lithium in the Galaxy.
V341 Arae is a 10th-magnitude variable star in the southern hemisphere, discovered over a century ago by Henrietta Leavitt but relatively little studied since then. Although historically considered to be a Cepheid, it is actually blue and coincides with an X-ray source. The star lies near the edge of the large, faint Halpha nebula Fr 2-11, discovered by D. Frew, who showed that V341 Ara is actually a cataclysmic variable (CV). His deep imaging of the nebula revealed a bow-shock morphology in the immediate vicinity of the star. We have carried out spectroscopic monitoring of V341 Ara, and we co…
We present a detailed study of the 2019 outburst of the cataclysmic variable V1047~Cen, which hosted a classical nova eruption in 2005. The peculiar outburst occurred 14 years after the classical nova event and lasted for more than 400 days, reaching an amplitude of around 6 magnitudes in the optical. Early spectral follow-up revealed what could be a dwarf nova (accretion disk instability) outburst. However, the outburst duration, high velocity ($>$2000\,km\,s$^{-1}$) features in the optical line profiles, luminous optical emission, and presence of prominent long-lasting radio emission togethe…
[Abridged] Classical novae (CNe) represent the major class of supersoft X-ray sources (SSSs) in the central region of our neighbouring galaxy M31. We performed a dedicated monitoring of the M31 central region, aimed to detect SSS counterparts of CNe, with XMM-Newton and Chandra between Nov and Mar of the years 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12. In total we detected 24 novae in X-rays. Seven of these sources were known from previous observations, including the M31 nova with the longest SSS phase, M31N~1996-08b, which was found to fade below our X-ray detection limit 13.8 yr after outburst. Of the ne…
The eclipsing novalike cataclysmic variable CRTS SSS100505 J093417-174421
Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina（圣卡塔琳娜联邦大学）；Laboratório Nacional de Astrofísica（国家天体物理学实验室）；Universidade Federal de Sergipe（塞尔希培联邦大学）；Observatório Nacional（国家天文台）；Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas da USP（圣保罗大学天文、地球物理和大气科学研究所）；Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espacias（国家空间研究 institute）；Universidade do Vale do Paraíba（帕拉伊巴河谷大学）；Universidade Estadual Paulista（圣保罗州立大学）
The variable star V1129 Cen is classified in the GCVS as being of $β$ Lyr type. Unusual for such stars, it exhibits outbursts roughly once a year, lasting for $\sim$40 days. For this reason, a relationship to the dwarf novae has been suspected. Here, for the first time a detailed analysis of the light curve of the system is presented. Based on observations with high time resolution obtained at the Observatório do Pico dos Dias and on the long term ASAS light curve the orbital variations of the system are studied. They are dominated by ellipsoidal variations and partial eclipses of a probably s…
The recurrent nova T Pyxidis (T Pyx) is well known for its small binary separation, its unusually high luminosity in quiescence, and the spectacular Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images of its surrounding remnant. In 2011 April, T Pyx erupted for the first time since 1966. Here we describe HST observations in late 2011 of a transient reflection nebula around the erupting white dwarf (WD). Our observations of this light echo in the pre-existing remnant show that it is dominated by a clumpy ring with a radius of about 5", and an inclination of 30 to 40 degrees, with the eastern edge tilted toward…
Classical novae are the result of thermonuclear flashes of hydrogen accreted by CO or ONe white dwarfs, leading eventually to the dynamic ejection of the surface layers. These are observationally known to be enriched in heavy elements, such as C, O and Ne that must originate in layers below the H-flash convection zone. Building on our previous work, we now present stellar evolution simulations of ONe novae and provide a comprehensive comparison of our models with published ones. Some of our models include exponential convective boundary mixing to account for the observed enrichment of the nova…
We report the results from the temporal and spectral analysis of an XMM-Newton observation of Nova Centauri 1986 (V842 Cen). We detect a period at 3.51$\pm$0.4 h in the EPIC data and at 4.0$\pm$0.8 h in the OM data. The X-ray spectrum is consistent with the emission from an absorbed thin thermal plasma with a temperature distribution given by an isobaric cooling flow. The maximum temperature of the cooling flow model is $kT_{max}=43_{-12}^{+23}$ keV. Such a high temperature can be reached in a shocked region and, given the periodicity detected, most likely arises in a magnetically-channelled a…
The Hubble Space Telescope has imaged the central part of M87 over a 10 week span, leading to the discovery of 32 classical novae and nine fainter, likely very slow and/or symbiotic novae. In this first in a series of papers we present the M87 nova finder charts, and the light and color curves of the novae. We demonstrate that the rise and decline times, and the colors of M87 novae are uncorrelated with each other and with position in the galaxy. The spatial distribution of the M87 novae follows the light of the galaxy, suggesting that novae accreted by M87 during cannibalistic episodes are we…
We survey our understanding of classical novae: non-terminal, thermonuclear eruptions on the surfaces of white dwarfs in binary systems. The recent and unexpected discovery of GeV gamma-rays from Galactic novae has highlighted the complexity of novae and their value as laboratories for studying shocks and particle acceleration. We review half a century of nova literature through this new lens, and conclude: --The basics of the thermonuclear runaway theory of novae are confirmed by observations. The white dwarf sustains surface nuclear burning for some time after runaway, and until recently, it…
Superhumps are among the abundant variable phenomena observed in the light curves of cataclysmic variables (CVs). They come in two flavours as positive and negative superhumps, distinguished by periods slightly longer or shorter, respectively, than the orbital periods of these interacting binary systems. Positive superhumps are ubiquitous in superoutbursting short period dwarf novae of the SU~UMa type but are less common in longer period systems with accretion disks in a permanent bright state such as novalike variables and most old novae. Negative superhumps do not seem not to have a preferen…
We report on the detection of the linear rms-flux relation in two accreting white dwarf binary systems: V1504 Cyg and KIC 8751494. The rms-flux relation relates the absolute root-mean-square (rms) variability of the light curve to its mean flux. The light curves analysed were obtained with the Kepler satellite at a 58.8 s cadence. The rms-flux relation was previously detected in only one other cataclysmic variable, MV Lyr. This result reenforces the ubiquity of the linear rms-flux relation as a characteristic property of accretion-induced variability, since it has been observed in several blac…
The evolution of the remnant of the merger of two white dwarfs is still an open problem. Furthermore, few studies have addressed the case in which the remnant is a magnetic white dwarf with a mass larger than the Chandrasekhar limiting mass. Angular momentum losses might bring the remnant of the merger to the physical conditions suitable for developing a thermonuclear explosion. Alternatively, the remnant may be prone to gravitational or rotational instabilities, depending on the initial conditions reached after the coalescence. Dipole magnetic braking is one of the mechanisms that can drive s…
The classical nova YZ Reticuli was discovered in July 2020. Shortly after this we commenced a sustained, highly time-sampled coverage of its subsequent rapid evolution with time-resolved spectroscopy from the Global Jet Watch observatories. Its H-alpha complex exhibited qualitatively different spectral signatures in the following weeks and months. We find that these H-alpha complexes are well described by the same five Gaussian emission components throughout the six months following eruption. These five components appear to constitute two pairs of lines, from jet outflows and an accretion disc…
The theory of General Relativity deals with very accurate measurements that show significant divergences from Newtonian predictions only with speeds near to the velocity of light. An introduction for educational purposes, based on naked eye photometry, deals with the radiation near collapsing star's shells like novae and supernovae. The theme of accuracy is drafted from entry level observations to the precision of professional data, often of public domain on the web. Thousand observations of variable stars, included the type 1a SN2014J, the Nova Del 2013 and the Nova Cen 2013, sent to the AAVS…
A MeerKAT survey of nearby dwarf novae: I. New detections
Radboud University（拉德堡德大学）；University of Cape Town（开普敦大学）；South African Astronomical Observatory（南非天文台）；Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, School of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Manchester（曼彻斯特大学物理与天文学学院乔德雷尔银行天体物理学中心）；University of Oxford（牛津大学）；Rhodes University（罗德岛大学）；South African Radio Astronomy Observatory（南非射电天文台）；University of Warwick（华威大学）；University of Southampton（南安普顿大学）
A massive millisecond magnetar may survive a merger of a neutron star (NS) binary, which would continuously power the merger ejecta. We develop a generic dynamic model for the merger ejecta with energy injection from the central magnetar. The ejecta emission (the "merger-nova") powered by the magnetar peaks in the UV band and the peak of lightcurve progressively shifts to an earlier epoch with increasing frequency. A magnetar-powered mergernova could have an optical peak brightness comparable to a supernova, which is a few tens or hundreds times brighter than the radioactive-powered merger-nov…
V959 Mon is one of the gamma-ray detected novae. It was optically discovered about 50 days after the gamma-ray detection due to proximity to the Sun. The nova speed class is unknown because of lack of the earliest half of optical light curve and short supersoft X-ray phase due to eclipse by the disk rim. Using the universal decline law and time-stretching method, we analyzed the data of V959 Mon and obtained nova parameters. We estimated the distance modulus in the V band to be (m-M)_V=13.15\pm0.3 for the reddening of E(B-V)=0.38\pm0.01 by directly comparing with the similar type of novae, LV …
A classical nova is an eruption on the surface of a white dwarf in an accreting binary system. The material ejected from the white dwarf surface generally forms an axisymmetric shell. The shaping mechanisms of nova shells are probes of the processes that take place at energy scales between planetary nebulae and supernova remnants. We report on the discovery of nova shells surrounding the post-nova systems V4362 Sagittarii (1994) and more limited observations of DO Aquilae (1925). Distance measurements of 0.5p/m1.4 kpc for V4362 Sgr and 6.7 p/m 3.5 kpc -0.2 for DO Aql are found based on the exp…
AT2016dah and AT2017fyp are fairly typical Andromeda Galaxy (M31) classical novae. AT2016dah is an almost text book example of a 'very fast' declining, yet uncommon, Fe II'b' (broad-lined) nova, discovered during the rise to peak optical luminosity, and decaying with a smooth broken power-law light curve. AT2017fyp is classed as a 'fast' nova, unusually for M31, its early decline spectrum simultaneously shows properties of both Fe II and He/N spectral types - a 'hybrid'. Similarly, the light curve of AT2017fyp has a broken power-law decline but exhibits an extended flat-topped maximum. Both no…
