Stringent limits on $^{28}$SiO maser emission from the recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis

TL;DR

This study used the Effelsberg Radio Telescope to search for $^{28}$SiO maser emission from T CrB before its anticipated eruption, finding no evidence of such emission in quiescence.

Contribution

First search for $^{28}$SiO maser emission in T CrB prior to eruption, setting stringent limits on its presence during quiescence.

Findings

No $^{28}$SiO maser emission detected in T CrB during quiescence.

Provides upper limits on SiO maser emission strength in this system.

Supports the idea that SiO masers are not present or detectable before eruptions.

Abstract

There are indications that the third known eruption of the recurrent nova T CrB is imminent, and multi-wavelength observations prior to the eruption are important to characterise the system before it erupts. T CrB is known to display the SiO fundamental vibrational feature at 8$\,\mu$m. When the anticipated eruption occurs, it is possible that the shock produced when the ejected material runs into the wind of the red giant in the system may be traced using SiO maser emission. We have used the 100m Effelsberg Radio Telescope to search for $^{28}$SiO emission in the $\upsilon=1$, $\upsilon=2$, $J=1\rightarrow0$ transitions, at 43.122 GHz and 42.820~GHz respectively, while the system is in quiescence. We find no evidence for such emission.