Spectroscopic classification of the recent M31 nova candidate PNV J00423804+4108417
ATel #3877; A. W. Shafter (SDSU), M. J. Darnley, M. F. Bode (Liverpool JMU, UK), R. Ciardullo (PSU)
on 22 Jan 2012; 18:10 UT
Credential Certification: Allen W. Shafter (aws@nova.sdsu.edu)
Subjects: Optical, Nova, Transient
Referred to by ATel #: 3914
We report spectroscopic observations of the M31 nova candidate PNV J00423804+4108417 (M31N 2012-01b?) recently discovered by K. Nishiyama and F. Kabashima on 2012 Jan. 21.419 UT. At our request, a spectrum (410–900 nm) was obtained by M. Shetrone on 2012 Jan. 22.11 UT, less than a day post discovery, with the 9.2m Hobby-Eberly Telescope (+ Marcario Low-Resolution Spectrograph).
The spectrum reveals extremely broad Balmer and He emission lines (FWHM Hα ~ 6000 km/s; EW Hα ~ -14.0 nm) with a castellated structure, superimposed on a slightly blue continuum. These observations confirm that PNV J00423804+4108417 is a nova in M31, and that it is a member of the He/N spectroscopic class. Further observations are encouraged to follow the photometric and spectroscopic evolution of this relatively rare class of nova. A.W.S. thanks the NSF for support through AST-1009566.
HET Spectra of Local Group Novae
