B. F. Lane et al. 2007 ApJ 669 1150 doi:10.1086/521700
B. F. Lane1, A. Retter2, J. A. Eisner3, M. W. Muterspaugh4, R. R. Thompson5 and J. L. Sokoloski6
Show affiliationsWe have resolved the classical nova V1663 Aql using long-baseline near-IR interferometry covering the period from ~5 to 18 days after peak brightness. We directly measure the shape and size of the fireball, which we find to be asymmetric. In addition, we measure an apparent expansion rate of 0.21 ± 0.03 mas day-1. Assuming a linear expansion model, we infer a time of initial outburst approximately 4 days prior to peak brightness. When combined with published spectroscopic expansion velocities, our angular expansion rate implies a distance of 8.9 ± 3.6 kpc. This distance measurement is independent of, but consistent with, determinations made using widely available photometric relations for novae.
novae, cataclysmic variables; stars: individual (V1663 Aquilae); techniques: interferometric
Issue 2 (2007 November 10)
Received 2007 April 23, accepted for publication 2007 July 18
B. F. Lane et al. 2007 ApJ 669 1150
Stuartt Corder et al 2005 ApJ 622 L133
J. A. Eisner et al. 2007 ApJ 669 1072
J. A. Eisner and S. R. Kulkarni 2001 ApJ 561 1107
B. F. Lane et al 2005 ApJ 622 L137
J. A. Eisner and John M. Carpenter 2003 ApJ 598 1341
J. A. Eisner and John M. Carpenter 2006 ApJ 641 1162
J. A. Eisner et al 2006 ApJ 637 L133
A. Verdini et al 2009 ApJ 700 L39
J. A. Eisner et al. 2007 ApJ 657 347