Open AccessInfrared Spectroscopy of YZ Reticuli (Nova Reticuli 2020)
Author(s) -
R. J. Rudy,
R. W. Russell,
Michael L. Sitko
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
research notes of the aas
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2515-5172
DOI - 10.3847/2515-5172/abeefc
Subject(s) - nova (rocket) , astrophysics , physics , emission spectrum , brightness , spectroscopy , infrared , coronal plane , collisional excitation , excitation , astronomy , spectral line , ionization , ion , aeronautics , quantum mechanics , engineering , radiology , medicine
IR spectroscopy from three epochs is presented for the very bright, X-ray nova YZ Reticuli (Nova Reticuli 2020). The first spectrum, from 2.5 months after outburst, shows a nova well into the coronal phase, with strong lines of [Si vi ] and [Si vii ], and with little or no interstellar reddening, and no dust emission. The second spectrum, from one month later, shows a four-fold drop in brightness and a measurable increase in the coronal lines relative to the lower excitation features. The final spectrum, from 7 months post outburst, is a factor of six fainter and shows a decrease in the relative strength of the coronal lines from the previous epoch. Emission lines from O i and [N i ] are present at all epochs, indicating the persistence of a region of largely neutral gas in this otherwise high excitation object.