Optical spectra of Nova 2008-06b
ATel #1612; P. Reig (U. Crete/FORTH), N. Primak (FORTH), S. Akras (NOA), D. Hatzidimitriou (U. Crete/FORTH), W. Pietsch (MPE) and G. Papamastorakis (U. Crete/FORTH)
on 10 Jul 2008; 08:28 UT
Credential Certification: Pablo Reig (pablo.reig@uv.es)
We carried out spectroscopic observations of the optical transient near M31
reported in ATel #1591 (RA = 0h42m27s.81 DEC =+41o14'48".2 (J2000)) from
the 1.3m telescope of the Skinakas Observatory in Crete (Greece) on the
nights 27 June 2008 and 2 July 2008. The spectra covered the range
5080-7160 angstroms.
The Halpha appeared strongly in emission and displayed a double peaked
profile. The ratio of the blue peak to the red peak (B/R) reversed from
B > R (i.e blue-dominated profile) on 27 June to B < R (i.e red-dominated
profile) on 2 July. The equivalent width and the expansion velocity
estimated from the FWHM of the Halpha line were EW(Ha)=-1400+-200
angstrom, FWHM=3050+-50 km/s and EW(Ha)=4500+-900 angstrom, FWHM=2570+-50
km/s, respectively.
The broad Halpha line, the presence of the He I 5876 / Na I D blend and weak
NII 5679 and the absence of significant Fe II emission lines suggest a
He/N class of novae.
