Spectroscopic classification of AT2018jas as a classical nova in M31
ATel #12245; M. J. Darnley (LJMU), G. Carey (UK Nova/Supernova Patrol, BAA), M. W. Healy (LJMU), S. C. Williams (Lancaster)
on 28 Nov 2018; 13:54 UT
Credential Certification: Matt Darnley (M.J.Darnley@ljmu.ac.uk)
Subjects: Optical, Nova, Transient
We report Liverpool Telescope (LT; Steele et al. 2004) spectroscopic observations of the M31 nova candidate AT2018jas.
A series of three 800s spectra were obtained with the SPRAT instrument (Piascik et al. 2014) on the LT at 2018 Nov 27.91 UT.
The combined spectrum shows a blue continuum, which is punctuated by a series of P Cygni line profiles that are themselves dominated by the absorption component. Hydrogen Balmer series (Hα - Hδ), Fe II, and O I P Cygni profiles are all clearly observed. There may be some evidence for Si II (6347/6371) and He I P Cygni profiles also being present. The terminal velocity of the Hα P Cygni profile is around 4000 km/s.
This spectrum indicates that AT2018jas is a classical nova eruption in M31 that has been caught in the early Fe II-curtain phase (immediately post-fireball).
Liverpool Telescope observations of this eruption will continue and we encourage additional follow-up observations.
