Spectroscopic observation of the transient AT2024afyi in M33
ATel #16965; Shatakshi Chamoli (IIA Bengaluru), Judhajeet Basu (IIA Bengaluru), G. C. Anupama (IIA Bengaluru), Sudhanshu Barway (IIA Bengaluru), Srikanth Bandari (IIA Bengaluru)
on 3 Jan 2025; 16:52 UT
Credential Certification: Judhajeet Basu (judhajeet.basu@iiap.res.in)
Subjects: Optical, Cataclysmic Variable, Nova, Transient
We report the spectroscopic observation of the transient AT2024afyi in M33 with the HFOSC instrument mounted on the 2m Himalayan Chandra Telescope located at the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), Hanle. The transient was discovered by K.Itagaki on 2024 Dec. 30.44 UT at a magnitude of 17.6 in the Clear filter. This object was also reported by ATLAS at a magnitude of 17.468 ± 0.066 on Dec. 31.29 UT on TNS.
We obtained a 2700s exposure low-resolution spectra of the transient on 2025 Jan 01.74 UT. We identified a broad double-peaked asymmetric H-alpha feature at a FWHM of ~6250 km/s. Given a distance modulus of 24.64 for M33 (Galleti et al. 2004), the absolute magnitude is ~ -7.2 mag. Assuming this to be the peak magnitude, the transient is likely a nova. Further follow-up is required to confirm the nature of this object.
Photometric and spectroscopic follow-up of the object is encouraged. We will continue monitoring this transient using facilities at IAO.
IAO is operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru, India.
