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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

Referred to by ATel #: 1360, 1647

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.