Spectroscopic confirmation of the 2024 outburst of M31N 2008-12a
ATel #16945; Judhajeet Basu (IIA), Shatakshi Chamoli (IIA), Sudhanshu Barway (IIA), G. C. Anupama (IIA), Surya (IIA)
on 14 Dec 2024; 07:51 UT
Credential Certification: Judhajeet Basu (judhajeet.basu@iiap.res.in)
Subjects: Optical, Nova, Transient
Referred to by ATel #: 16949
We obtained an optical spectrum of the recurrent nova M31N 2008-12a during its ongoing 2024 outburst (ATel #16942, #16944) with the low-resolution HFOSC instrument mounted on the 2-m Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) of the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), Hanle.
The spectrum was obtained on 2024 Dec 13.75 UTC in the wavelength range of 3500-7500 A with an exposure of 3600s. Prominent H-Balmer lines and the He I line at 5876 A are evident in the spectrum. The FWHM of the H alpha line indicates a velocity of 3200 km/s. The spectrum is similar to previous eruptions.
This confirms the 2024 outburst of the recurrent nova. We will continue monitoring the nova using facilities at IAO.
We thank the HCT observers for sparing time to carry out the ToO observations. IAO is operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru, India.
