Spectroscopic Confirmation of the Recent Nova Candidate in M33, M33N 2009-01a
ATel #1900; A. W. Shafter (SDSU), R. Ciardullo (PSU), M. F. Bode, M. J. Darnley (Liverpool JMU, UK), K. A. Misselt (U. Arizona)
on 15 Jan 2009; 00:45 UT
Credential Certification: Allen W. Shafter (aws@nova.sdsu.edu)
Subjects: Optical, Nova, Transient
We report spectroscopic observations
of the recent M33 nova candidate, M33N 2009-01a,
which was discovered on
2009 Jan. 07.54 by K. Nishiyama and F. Kabashima
(CBET #1659).
At our request, a spectrum (410â950 nm) of M33N 2009-01a
was obtained approximately a week after discovery
on 2009 Jan. 14.15 UT
by J. Caldwell with the 9.2m Hobby-Eberly Telescope
(+ Marcario Low-Resolution Spectrograph).
The spectrum is dominated by
Balmer, He II &lambda 4686Ã
,
and He I
(&lambda 5015Ã
, &lambda 5875Ã
, &lambda 6678Ã
,
and &lambda 7065Ã
) emission features
superimposed on a flat continuum. The profiles of the
H&alpha and H&beta lines are complex, and appear to be
composed of distinct broad (H&alpha: FWZI ~ 8500 km/s; FWHM ~ 6500 km/s)
and narrow (H&alpha: FWHM ~ 2100 km/s) components.
Given the presence of broad Balmer and Helium
emission features together with the absence of significant Fe II emission,
we classify this nova as a member of the He/N class defined
by Williams (1992, AJ, 104, 725).
