Spectroscopic Confirmation of PNV J00425104+4114102 as a Nova in M31
ATel #4391; A. W. Shafter (SDSU), K. Hornoch (Astronomical Institute, Ondrejov, Czech Republic), R. Ciardullo (PSU), M. J. Darnley, M. F. Bode (Liverpool JMU)
on 18 Sep 2012; 23:07 UT
Credential Certification: Allen W. Shafter (aws@nova.sdsu.edu)
Subjects: Optical, Nova, Transient
We report spectroscopic observations of the bright M31 transient PNV J00425104+4114102 (tentatively identified as M31N 2012-09b) discovered on 2012 Sep. 17.781 UT by K. Hornoch at R = 15.55 +/- 0.04 (ATel #4384). Subsequent photometry shows that the object is fading, with R = 15.75 +/- 0.05 and R = 15.89 +/- 0.05 on Sep. 17.995 and Sep 18.158 UT, respectively. At our request, a spectrum (410–900 nm) was obtained by J. Caldwell with the 9.2m Hobby-Eberly Telescope (+ Marcario Low-Resolution Spectrograph) on 2012 Sep. 18.43 UT (less than a day post-discovery). The spectrum (see link below) is dominated by strong and broad Balmer and Fe II emission lines (FWHM Hα ~ 4500 km/s), superimposed on a slightly blue continuum. These observations confirm that PNV J00425104+4114102 is a nova in M31, and that it is a member of the broad-lined Fe II (Fe IIb) spectroscopic class. Further observations are encouraged to monitor the spectral evolution as this luminous nova continues to fade. A.W.S. thanks the NSF for support through AST-1009566.
HET Spectra of Local Group Novae
