Spectroscopic Observations of Nova Cygni 1975: The Coronal Line Region Revisited
Abstract
A synopsis of the McDonald Observatory spectrophotometric observations of Nova Cyg 1975 (V1500 Cyg) is presented. These data are presented in a form in which they can be readily accessed in the future, and also a study is conducted of the continuous spectrum during the early nebular phase. It is shown that: (1) the remnant probably maintained a luminosity at or above the Eddington limit for at least a year after outburst, (2) free-free emission from the coronal line region made a significant contribution to the optical continuum, and (3) the coronal line region was probably a significant source of ionizing radiation. The energetics of this nova appear to be dominated by the lift-off energy from the white dwarf and radiation from the coronal line region. Thus the light curve of Nova Cyg may tell more about the cooling of the coronal line region than about the decline of the central object. In appendices the argon abundance of Nova Cyg (less than 8 times solar) is discussed and it is described how to obtain copies of the McDonald nova data.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series
- Pub Date:
- June 1986
- DOI:
- 10.1086/191091
- Bibcode:
- 1986ApJS...60..375F
- Keywords:
-
- Astronomical Spectroscopy;
- Novae;
- Stellar Coronas;
- Stellar Spectrophotometry;
- Abundance;
- Continuous Spectra;
- Emission Spectra;
- Light Curve;
- Line Spectra;
- Stellar Composition;
- Astronomy