The peculiar nova V1309 Sco/Nova Sco 2008: A candidate twin of V838 Mon

TL;DR

This study investigates Nova Scorpii 2008, revealing its unique spectral features and uncertain origin, suggesting it may be a red nova rather than a typical classical or recurrent nova.

Contribution

The paper provides detailed high-resolution spectroscopic analysis of Nova Scorpii 2008, highlighting its unusual characteristics and proposing it as a potential red nova candidate.

Findings

Nova Scorpii 2008 shows unusual spectral features.

It differs from typical classical and recurrent novae.

Characteristics suggest it may be a red nova.

Abstract

Nova Scorpii 2008 was the target of our Directory Discretionary Time proposal at VLT+UVES in order to study the evolution, origin and abundances of the heavy-element absorption system recently discovered in 80% of classical novae in outburst. The early decline of Nova Scorpii 2008 was monitored with high resolution echelle spectroscopy at 5 different epochs. The analysis of the absorption and the emission lines show many unusual characteristics. Nova Scorpii 2008 is confirmed to differ from a common Classical Nova as well as a Symbiotic Recurrent Nova, and it shows characteristics which are common to the so called, yet debated, red-novae. The origin of this new nova remains uncertain.