Abstract

Evolution of Nova TrA 2008 into a V Sge look-alike: Persistent nuclear burning in a high mass-accretion rate post nova?

Frederick Walter (Stony Brook)

The classical Fe II nova TrA 2008 (NR TrA) has evolved into a system dominated by high excitation permitted lines. Eclipses appeared in 2010; the light curve now resembles that of V Sge, with a broad V-shaped minimum covering close to half the 5.25 hour period. Phase-resolved optical spectra show a prominent S-wave in the He II, C IV, N V, and O VI emission lines, with a semi-amplitude of 1000 km/s. I will discuss the observational constraints on the system. Resemblance of the optical spectrum to that of the persistent supersoft X-ray sources suggests steady nuclear burning continues on the surface of this recent nova.

Mode of presentation: oral