Spectroscopic Classification of AT 2026rdg=ZTF26abemjfk as a Classical Nova
ATel #17868; Yusuke Tampo (South African Astronomical Observatory, University of Cape Town)
on 2 Jul 2026; 22:35 UT
Distributed as an Instant Email Notice Novae
Credential Certification: Yusuke Tampo (yusuke@saao.ac.za)
Subjects: Optical, Cataclysmic Variable, Nova, Transient, Variables
I report the spectroscopic classification of AT 2026rdg=ZTF26abemjfk. I obtained its optical spectrum on 2026-07-02.85 UT with the Mookodi (Erasmus et al. 2024) mounted on the 1-m Lesedi telescope at the South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland. The observation setups were the exposure time of 300s, with a 4" slit, wavelength coverage 4100-8000Å, and spectral resolution R~200.
As reported to TNS, AT 2026rdg was originally discovered on 2026-07-01.30 UT at r=12.53 mag by the ZTF/DCAP, and independently by the NMW survey, as a classical nova candidate. My spectrum shows the Balmer and O I 7773 lines with P Cygni profiles. The absorption minimum of this P Cygni profile in Hα is located at ~-1100 km/s. Combining these spectral features and the red color in the spectrum, I conclude that AT 2026rdg is a highly reddened classical nova.
My spectrum
