Observational Report on the Classical Nova KT Eridani

TL;DR

This paper presents spectroscopic and photometric observations of the classical nova KT Eridani, detailing its spectral evolution, velocity, and distance, classifying it as a very fast nova located outside the galactic disk.

Contribution

It provides detailed observational data and analysis of KT Eridani, including spectral features, velocity, and distance estimation, contributing to the understanding of classical nova characteristics.

Findings

KT Eri is a very fast nova with a decline rate of 6.2 days for two magnitudes.

Spectroscopic observations show broad emission lines with velocities around 3400 km/s.

Estimated distance of KT Eri is approximately 7 kpc, outside the galactic disk.

Abstract

A report on the spectroscopic and multi-color photometric observations of high galactic latitude classical nova KT Eridani (Nova Eridani 2009) is presented. After 12.2 days from maximum light, broad and prominent emission lines of Balmer series, He I, He II, N II, N III and O I can be seen on the spectra. The FWHM of H${\alpha}$ line yields an expansion velocity of approximately 3400 km s$^{-1}$. After 279.4 days from maximum light, we can see prominent emission lines of He II and [O III] on the spectrum. Among them, [O III] (4959, 5007) lines show multiple peaks. From the obtained light curve, KT Eri is classified to be a very fast nova, with a decline rate by two magnitude of $6.2 \pm 0.3$ days and three of $14.3 \pm 0.7$ days. We tried to estimate the absolute magnitude ($M_V$) using the Maximum Magnitude versus Rate of Decline relationship and distance of KT Eri. The calculated $M_V$ is approximately -9. Accordingly, the distance and galactic height are approximately 7 kpc and 4 kpc, respectively. Hence, KT Eri is concluded to be located outside of the galactic disk.