DAO Spectroscopic Study of Nova Cygni 1992

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Scientific paper

The spectral development of Nova Cygni 1992 is being monitored at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory. The brightest nova in over 15 years provides a rare opportunity to study, in detail, nova evolution from maximum to the late nebular stages. Our spectra during the early phases of the outburst had a resolution of 0.6 Angstroms while in the nebular phase the resolution ranged from 2 Angstroms to 4 Angstroms . The nova was observed at DAO on more than 40 nights in 1992. Our first spectrum was obtained near maximum light on February 22, 1992. It showed weak Hβ and Fe II emission lines with P-Cygni absorption components at -910 and -1670 km/s (IAUC 5457). During the early decline, the P-Cygni absorption complex spread blueward, eventually reaching -2900 km/s by the ides of March. Observations by IUE showed absorption troughs of UV lines extending to -2800 km/s even before maximum (IAUC 5456). This suggests that the apparent increase in the velocity of the diffuse-enhanced absorption is due to opacity effects, not a physical acceleration of the gas or the changing geometry of the expanding shells. The transition to the nebular phase occurred in late April, 1992. The emission lines were broad (FWHM of 2200 km/s) and contained as many as 10 velocity components. The temperature and density evolution of the major velocity components are estimated from diagnostic line ratios during the nebular stage. The similarity between Nova Cygni 1992 and V1500 Cyg suggested that the coronal line, [Fe X] 6374 Angstroms , might be present in the early nebular phase. The unusual shape and strength of the [O I] line at 6363 Angstroms added to this suspicion. In spectra taken 90 days after outburst, the [O I] 6300 Angstroms line was used to deconvolve the emission, but the contamination was found to be due to the Si II doublet 6347/71 Angstroms . Infrared observations indicated the onset of a coronal phase 200 days after maximum (IAUC 5612), and our data from this period are analyzed for evidence of coronal lines in the optical.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

DAO Spectroscopic Study of Nova Cygni 1992 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with DAO Spectroscopic Study of Nova Cygni 1992, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and DAO Spectroscopic Study of Nova Cygni 1992 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1110884

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.