The early bolometric evolution of Nova Cygni 1992

Steven N. Shore, George Sonneborn, Sumner Starrfield, Rosario Gonzalez-Riestra, Ronald S. Polidan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report on combined ultraviolet and optical observations of early stages of the outburst of Nova Cygni 1992. We show that the initial optical rise and decline and produced by the dramatic increase in UV line opacity and its gradual subsequent lifting as the ejecta expand. The source of the Mv - t3 relation is easily understood in light of these low-resolution UV spectra. The multiwavelength data confirm the theoretical prediction that a nova evolves at a constant bolometric luminosity in the early stages of outburst. We verify the prediction for this nova for at least the first month of the outburst. The detection of far-UV radiation with the Voyager Ultraviolet Spectrometer and the detection of an increasing X-ray flux with ROSAT imply that this phase lasted for more than 6 months.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)344-349
Number of pages6
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume421
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 20 1994

Keywords

  • Novae, cataclysmic variables
  • Stars: individual (Nova Cygni 1992)
  • Ultraviolet: stars

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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