The neon nova. II - Condensation of silicate grains in the ejecta of Nova Vulpeculae 1984 number 2

Abstract

Infrared photometry of Nova Vulpeculae 1984 number 2 (NV2) from 2.3 to 19.5 microns during May 14, 1985 to March 31, 1986 shows that silicate grains had condensed and grown in the nova ejecta by August 23, 1985, 240 days after the eruption. A relative overabundance of oxygen in the nova shell seems indicated. Forbidden 12.8-micron Ne II forbidden line emission was a factor of about 41 above the continuum at a spectral resolution of 67 on day 240; the line persisted through day 461. The anomalous chemical composition of NV2's ejecta supports recent suggestions that ONeMg white dwarfs (evolved from 8-12 solar-mass progenitor stars) are accreting matter in binary systems.