Computer Science
Scientific paper
Aug 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009noao.prop..343b&link_type=abstract
NOAO Proposal ID #2009B-0343
Computer Science
Scientific paper
In recent years, one or more new classes of luminous red stellar transients have been discovered. The prototype is the Galactic star V838 Monocerotis, whose 2002 outburst illuminated a spectacular light echo, extensively imaged by HST. Polarimetry of the echo has yielded a geometric distance of 6.2 kpc, making V838 Mon at maximum intermediate in luminosity between a classical nova and a Type II SN. Unlike a nova, the star remained a luminous red supergiant throughout its outburst. Recently, the slowly expanding photosphere has begun to ingest a B-type companion, leading to spectacular photometric and spectroscopic variability. I propose to continue to monitor these changes using synoptic service observing with the SMARTS 1.3m and 1.5m telescopes. A second luminous cool transient appeared in the nearby galaxy NGC 300 in 2008. Unlike V838 Mon, however, it appears that this outburst arose on a massive star, heavily obscured by dust which was evaporated by the outburst light. I propose to use the SMARTS 1.3m to continue to monitor this unusual object, also intermediate in luminosity between a nova and core-collapse SN.
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