Observational Evidence for Expansion in the SSS spectra of Novae

Details Observational Evidence for Expansion in the SSS spectra of Novae Observational Evidence for Expansion in the SSS spectra of Novae

2009-08-31

arxiv.org/abs/0908.4549v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena

4 pages, accepted for Astronomische Nachrichten

Scientific paper

For several novae, a bright X-ray source with a spectrum resembling the class of Super Soft X-ray Sources (SSS) has been observed a few weeks to months after outburst. Novae are powered by explosive nuclear burning on the surface of a white dwarf, and enough energy is produced to power a radiatively driven wind. Owing to the evolution of the opacity of the ejecta, the observable spectrum gradually shifts from optical to soft X-rays (SSS phase). It has sometimes been assumed that at the beginning of the SSS phase no more mass loss occurs. However, high-resolution X-ray spectra of some novae have shown highly blue-shifted absorption lines, indicating a significant expansion. In this paper, I show that all novae that have been observed with X-ray gratings during their SSS phase show significant blue shifts. I argue that all models that attempt to explain the X-ray bright SSS phase have to accommodate the continued expansion of the ejecta.

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