Symbiotic novae

TL;DR

This review explores the properties and models of symbiotic novae, focusing on well-observed eruptions, their multi-wavelength emissions, and proposing a 3D structure model, while also updating the catalog of known symbiotic novae.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of symbiotic novae, introduces a 3D emission source model, and updates the catalog of known systems based on recent observations.

Findings

Identified emission source locations for X-rays and radio in symbiotic novae.

Compared properties of symbiotic novae with classical novae.

Compiled a revised catalog of symbiotic novae in the Galaxy.

Abstract

(Invited Review) According to modern definition, a symbiotic nova is an otherwise normal nova (i.e. powered by explosive thermonuclear burning) that erupts within a symbiotic star, which is a binary where a WD accretes from a cool giant companion. Guided primarily by the very well observed eruptions of RS Oph in 2006 and 2021, and that of V407 Cyg in 2010, we investigate the main multi-wavelength properties of symbiotic novae and their relation to classical novae, and propose a 3D model structure that identifies the emitting source location for hard and supersoft X-rays, radio syncrothron and thermal, permitted and forbidden emission lines. Very few symbiotic novae are known in the Galaxy, and we compile a revised catalog based on firm astrometric identification. The exciting prospect of an imminent new outburst of T CrB is also discussed.