Classical Nova Carinae 2018: discovery of circumbinary iron and oxygen

Abstract

We present time-lapse spectroscopy of a classical nova explosion commencing 9 d after discovery. These data reveal the appearance of a transient feature in Fe II and [O I]. We explore different models for this feature and conclude that it is best explained by a circumbinary disc shock-heated following the classical nova event. Circumbinary discs may play an important role in novae in accounting for the absorption systems known as transient heavy element absorption (THEA), the transfer of angular momentum, and the possible triggering of the nova event itself. Show more