Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory studies of supersoft novae

TL;DR

This paper reviews Swift Observatory's extensive monitoring of novae from 2006 to 2017, highlighting its capabilities in capturing early and supersoft phases in X-ray and UV bands.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive collection and analysis of Swift observations of novae, emphasizing the mission's role in studying their rapid evolution and supersoft source phases.

Findings

Swift effectively captures early nova evolution in X-ray and UV.

Many novae show prolonged supersoft phases detectable by Swift.

Data enhances understanding of nova outburst mechanisms.

Abstract

The rapid response capabilities of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, together with the daily planning of its observing schedule, make it an ideal mission for following novae in the X-ray and UV bands, particularly during their early phases of rapid evolution and throughout the supersoft source interval. Many novae, both classical and recurrent, have been extensively monitored by Swift throughout their supersoft phase and later decline. We collect here results from observations of novae with outbursts which occurred between the start of 2006 and the end of 2017.