In:
Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 7, No. S285 ( 2011-09), p. 404-405
Abstract:
The well-known recurrent nova T Pyx has brightened by 7 magnitudes, starting on 2011 April 14, its first eruption since 1966. T Pyx is unique amongst recurrent novæ in being surrounded by a nebula formed of material ejected during previous eruptions. The latest eruption therefore offers the rare opportunity to observe a light echo sweeping through the existing shell, and a new one forming. The sudden exposure of the existing shell to high-energy light is expected to result in a change of the dust morphology as well as in the part destruction of molecules. We observe this process in the near- and mid-IR during several epochs using ESO's VLT instruments Sinfoni , Visir and Isaac . Unfortunately, in the data analysed so far we only have a tentative detection in Brα from the shell, so might in the end have to be content with upper limits for the emission from the various molecular bands and ionised lines.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1743-9213
,
1743-9221
DOI:
10.1017/S1743921312001226
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
2011
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2170724-8
SSG:
16,12