The detection of X-rays from nova MUSCAE 1983 with the EXOSAT satellite.

Abstract

Nova Muscae 1983, a fast classical nova, was discovered on January 18, 1983, by Liller (1983). The present investigation is concerned with a study of this star on the basis of X-ray observations which have been conducted with the low- and medium-energy detectors of the Exosat satellite on April 20, 1984. The measured data are combined with other measurements, and a comparison with nova models is conducted with the objective to obtain information regarding the nature of the X-ray emission from Nova Muscae. It is concluded that there are basically two possibilities for explaining the soft X-ray observations. One explanation involves a shocked circumstellar gas under conditions including a temperature of approximately 10,000,000 K and a luminosity of approximately 10 to the 35th ergs/s. The other explanation is based on a white dwarf remnant at a surface temperature of approximately 350,000 K. The observations represent the first detection of X-rays from a classical nova during outburst, including the decline stage.