A Neon Nova: Discovery of a Remarkable 12.8 Micron [Ne ii] Emission Line in Nova Vulpeculae 1984 Number 2
Abstract
Infrared photometry and spectrophotometry ≡140 days after the eruption of Nova Vulpeculae 1984 Number 2 revealed an incredibly intense 12.8 μm [Ne II] forbidden emission line standing a factor of ≡60 above the free-free continuum at a spectral resolution of λ/Δλ = 67. It is the strongest 12.8 μm line, relative to the continuum, ever observed in an astrophysical source. The authors show that the amount of [Ne II] required to produce the observed emission feature equals or exceeds the solar abundance of neon. The ≡80 L_sun; radiated in the 12.8 μm line on 1985 May 15.4 UT was 1.5% of the outburst luminosity and nearly 14% of the total shell luminosity.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- November 1985
- DOI:
- 10.1086/184564
- Bibcode:
- 1985ApJ...298L..47G
- Keywords:
-
- Infrared Spectra;
- Line Spectra;
- Neon;
- Novae;
- Stellar Spectra;
- Stellar Spectrophotometry;
- Emission Spectra;
- Infrared Photometry;
- Infrared Spectroscopy;
- Astrophysics