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Pan-Chromatic observations of the Recurrent Nova LMC 2009a (LMC 1971b)

Bode, MF, Darnley, MJ, Beardmore, AP, Osborne, JP, Page, KL, Walter, FM, Krautter, J, Melandri, A, Ness, J-U, O'Brien, TJ, Orio, M, Schwarz, GJ, Shara, MM and Starrfield, S (2016) Pan-Chromatic observations of the Recurrent Nova LMC 2009a (LMC 1971b). ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL, 818 (2). ISSN 0004-637X

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Abstract

Nova LMC 2009a is confirmed as a Recurrent Nova (RN) from positional coincidence with nova LMC 1971b. The observational data set is one of the most comprehensive for any Galactic or extragalactic RN: optical and near-IR photometry from outburst until over 6 years later; optical spectra for the first 6 months, and Swift satellite Ultraviolet and X-ray observations from 9 days to almost 1 year post-outburst. We find $M_V = -8.4\pm0.8_{\mathrm{r}}\pm0.7_{\mathrm{s}}$ and expansion velocities between 1000 and 4000 km s$^{-1}$. Coronal line emission before day 9 indicates shocks in the ejecta. Strengthening of He II $\lambda$4686 preceded the emergence of the Super-Soft Source (SSS) in X-rays at $\sim63-70$ days, which was initially very variable. Periodic modulations, $P=1.2$ days, most probably orbital in nature, were evident in the UV and optical from day 43. Subsequently, the SSS shows an oscillation with the same period but with a delay of 0.28P. The progenitor system has been identified; the secondary is most likely a sub-giant feeding a luminous accretion disk. Properties of the SSS infer a white dwarf (WD) mass $1.1 \mathrm{M}_\odot \lesssim M_{\rm WD} \lesssim 1.3 \mathrm{M}_\odot$. If the accretion occurs at constant rate, $\dot{\it{M}}_{\rm acc} \simeq 3.6^{+4.7}_{-2.5} \times 10^{-7} \mathrm{M}_\odot$ yr$^{-1}$ is needed, consistent with nova models for an inter-eruption interval of 38 years, low outburst amplitude, progenitor position in the color-magnitude diagram, and spectral energy distribution at quiescence. We note striking similarities between LMC 2009a and the Galactic nova KT Eri, suggesting that KT Eri is a candidate RN.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: astro-ph.SR; astro-ph.SR; astro-ph.HE
Subjects: Q Science > QB Astronomy
Divisions: Astrophysics Research Institute
Publisher: American Astronomical Society and IOP Publishing
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Date Deposited: 07 Jan 2016 13:05
Last Modified: 04 Sep 2021 13:42
URI: https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/2529
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