Spectroscopic classification of M31N 2017-06e (Gaia17bmf) as a classical nova
ATel #10497; S. C. Williams (Lancaster), M. J. Darnley (LJMU)
on 16 Jun 2017; 09:26 UT
Credential Certification: Steven Williams (scw@astro.ljmu.ac.uk)
Subjects: Optical, Nova, Transient
We obtained a spectrum of classical nova candidate M31N 2017-06e (Gaia17bmf, AT2017epj, PNV J00410538+4030467; see TNS and CBAT TOCP) with the SPRAT spectrograph (resolution R ~ 350; Piascik et al. 2014) on the 2-m Liverpool Telescope (Steele et al. 2004) on 2017 June 16.20 UT.
The spectrum shows strong Balmer emission lines (Hα, Hβ, Hγ) and we measure the FWHM of Hα to be ~1300 km/s. We identify numerous Fe II emission lines, including the 27, 28, 37, 38, 42, 48, 49 and 74 multiplets. The [O I] forbidden lines at 5577, 6300 and 6364 Å are also present. In addition we identify emission from Na I (D), O I (7774 Å), N I (7452 Å), N II (5679 Å), C I (7115 Å) and C II (7235 Å), noting the Na I D line has a significant P-Cygni absorption feature. This spectrum confirms that M31N 2017-06e is a classical nova eruption in M31 and a member of the Fe II spectroscopic class.
