PNV J17224490-4137160 is a Classical Nova

ATel #16003; Frederick M Walter (Stony Brook University), Andrew Pearce (Nedlands, W. Australia)
on 22 Apr 2023; 16:26 UT
Credential Certification: Fred Walter (frederick.walter@stonybrook.edu)

Tweet

A. Pearce reported discovery of this nova on 2023 Apr 20.687 at unfiltered magnitude 8.0 (TOCP http://cbat.eps.harvard.edu/unconf/followups/J17224490-4137160.html ). It has since brightened to V=7.3 (AAVSO alert notice 821 https://www.aavso.org/aavso-alert-notice-821). Cheung et al. have reported detection in gamma rays (ATel 16002). An R=27,800 optical spectrum (408-890 nm) obtained with the SMARTS/Chiron 1.5m bench-mounted echelle spectrograph on 2023 April 22.29 shows that the source is a lightly-reddened classical (Fe II) nova near maximum light. The Balmer lines and a number of Fe II lines are seen in emission. The equivalent widths of H-alpha and H-beta are -44 and -26Angstroms, respectively. The H-alpha emission profile extends to about +3000 km/s. Absorption systems at about -1800 and -3000 km/s are clear in the Balmer lines; the -1800 km/s absorption is seen in the Fe II multiplet 42 lines, and in the Na I D and Na I 6154/6161 lines. Continuing observations to follow the evolution of the nova eject are encouraged. We thank Wei-Chun Jao and the SMARTS team for their prompt response to our request for observations on short notice.