Confirmation of ASASSN-16kd as a classical nova in the optically thick stage
ATel #9477; T. Bohlsen (Armidale NSW, ARAS Group)
on 9 Sep 2016; 13:51 UT
Distributed as an Instant Email Notice Novae
Credential Certification: S. N. Shore (shore@df.unipi.it)
I report optical spectroscopic followup on the nova candidate ASASSN-16kd reported in ATEL #9469. The spectra, obtained with a LISA spectrograph (R= ~1500) mounted on a C11 reflector from Armidale NSW through light clouds, were obtained on 2016 Sept. 8 in successive exposures at UT10:00:50 (spec1) and UT10:45:31 (spec 2) with total exposure times of 1649 and 1562 sec , respectively. Based on the line profiles and velocities, the object appears to be a classical nova in the early optically thick stag. Except for the H I Balmer series there were no other strong emission lines in either exposure although Fe II 5169 (RMT42) is likely present in the first (lower noise) spectrum with a P Cyg absorption showing vmax approx. -900 km/s (like Halpha), and there is also broad emission at Fe II 4923, 5018A (both RMT42). There appear, to be genuine variation between the two spectra although neither is of optimal quality (SNR approx 10-15 in the continuum at Halpha). The Halpha line was in emission in both spectra -11.5A (spec1, 1.4A abs EW, vmax=-1000 km/s), -2.9A (spec2, 1.9A abs EW, vmax=-550 km/s); but Hbeta was in emission only in the first with EW=-15A and displayed no P Cyg absorption, EW< -2A (spec2). Weak Hgamma emission may have been detected in the first spectrum. Both spectra show what is likely interstellar Na I D (EW=5.5A) with no emission (as sometimes appears in the initial stages of classical novae). Spectroscopic and photometric monitoring is continuing. The spectra will continue to be posted for open access at the Astronomical Ring for Access to Spectroscopy (ARAS) database.
ARAS Nova Database
