Spectroscopic Confirmation of Two Recent Novae in M31: P60-M31-080913 and P60-M31-080915
ATel #1737; A. W. Shafter (SDSU), M. M. Kasliwal (Caltech), M. F. Bode, M. J. Darnley (Liverpool JMU, UK), R. Ciardullo (PSU), K. A. Misselt (U. Arizona)
on 24 Sep 2008; 21:29 UT
Credential Certification: Allen W. Shafter (aws@nova.sdsu.edu)
Subjects: Optical, Cataclysmic Variable, Nova, Transient
Spectra (410-950 nm) of two recent M31 nova candidates,
P60-M31-080913 (ATel#1717) and P60-M31-080915 (ATel#1719), were obtained
with the 9.2m Hobby-Eberly Telescope
(+ Marcario Low-Resolution Spectrograph) approximately 9 and 5 days
post discovery on 2008 September 22.4 UT and 20.2 UT, respectively.
The spectrum of P60-M31-080913 is dominated by Balmer and Fe II emission
features (FWHM H&alpha ~ 1500 km/s) superimposed on a flat continuum,
and is typical of an Fe II nova approximately a week post maximum.
P60-M31-080915, on the other hand, displays significantly narrower
Balmer and Fe II emission lines (FWHM H&alpha ~ 900 km/s)
arising from a blue continuum. This spectrum is also characteristic
of an Fe II nova, but one taken closer to maximum light.
