Interpretation of Nova Her 2021 spectrum

Forums Variable Stars Nova in Hercules Interpretation of Nova Her 2021 spectrum

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Hugh Allen
Participant

After a little sleep I’ve attempted to interpret last night’s spectrum. I estimate an explosion velocity of about 3450 km/sec based on the P Cygni profile of the Hα emission. I’ve annotated the spectrum with the rest wavelengths of the first seven H Balmer lines, where at the shortest wavelengths the P Cygni profiles are not consistently positioned based on my estimated explosion velosity. I also added  couple of the HeI l lines where the positions are consistent. Using my explosion velocity, several of the deepest absorption lines appear more consistent with some specific metal P Cygni profiles. It’s certainly a fascinating spectrum

Cheers

Hugh