Infrared observations of the recurrent nova T Pyxidis: ancient dust basks in the warm glow of the 2011 outburst★
Ness, J. -U.; Gehrz, R. D.; Eyres, S. P. S.; Evans, A.; Banerjee, D. P. K.; Osborne, J. P.; Starrfield, S.; Kuulkers, E.; Page, K. L.; Bode, M. F.; Walter, F. M.; Krautter, J.; O'Brien, T. J.; Woodward, C. E.; Oliveira, J. M.; Ashok, N. M.; Helton, L. A.; Rushton, M. T.
United Kingdom, United States, India, Spain, Germany
Abstract
We present Spitzer Space Telescope and Herschel Space Observatory infrared observations of the recurrent nova T Pyx during its 2011 eruption, complemented by ground-base optical-infrared photometry. We find that the eruption has heated dust in the pre-existing nebulosity associated with T Pyx. This is most likely interstellar dust swept up by T Pyx - either during previous eruptions or by a wind - rather than the accumulation of dust produced during eruptions.