Observations of Nova MUSCAE 1983 from 1200 A-10 mu-m during its earlydecline stage.
Leitherer, C.; Beuermann, K.; van Paradijs, J.; Oliva, E.; Wolf, B.; Moorwood, A. F. M.; Krautter, J.; Wargau, W.; Klare, G.; Deul, E.; Kohoutek, L.
Germany, Netherlands, South Africa
Abstract
Spectroscopic and photometric observations of Nova Mus 1983 were carried out during its early decline phase over a wide spectral range from 1200 A to 10 microns, and the results are presented. Nova Mus 83 was a moderately fast to fast nova whose probable maximum brightness and lifetime were roughly 7 mag and 40 days. A distance of 4.8 + or -1 kpc has been derived. The lightcurve, with its long stay around a constant mean brightness, is rather unusual for a fast nova. The outburst range of 14 mg or more is one of the largest ever observed for novae. The line profiles of the emission lines display several emission components, broad wings, and several absorption systems. The ejection of the envelope was highly asymmetric and the envelope itself seems to have a very complex structure and geometry with rather different excitation conditions for different regions. The molecular lines indicate the presence of molecules associated with dust in the surroundings of Nova Mus.