The Spectroscopic Classes of M31N 2007-12a and M31N 2007-12b
ATel #1332; A. W. Shafter (SDSU)
on 16 Dec 2007; 04:39 UT
Credential Certification: Allen W. Shafter (aws@nova.sdsu.edu)
Subjects: Optical, Nova, Transient
Spectra (410-950 nm) of two recent M31 nova candidates,
M31N 2007-12a and M31N 2007-12b (ATel #1324), obtained on
2007 December 15.2 UT with the 9.2m Hobby-Eberly Telescope
(+ Marcario Low-Resolution Spectrograph) by M. Shetrone and
A. Westfall, confirms that both objects are indeed classical
novae. The spectrum of M31N 2007-12a is characterized
by strong Balmer and Fe II emission lines (FWHM H&alpha ~ 1700 km/s),
while the spectrum of M31N 2007-12b on the other hand
displays strong and broad (FWHM H&alpha ~ 4500 km/s) Balmer, He I,
and N III 464.0 nm emission features. These data indicate
that M31N 2007-12a and M31N 2007-12b belong to the Fe II
and He/N spectroscopic classes, respectively, as
defined by Williams (1992). I thank R. Quimby for providing
ROTSE finding charts for these novae.