Astrophysical: Novae

  • Publication
    The January 2015 outburst of a red nova in M 31
    Context. M31N 2015-01a (or M31LRN 2015) is a red nova that erupted in January 2015 - the first event of this kind observed in M 31 since 1988. Very few similar...
  • Publication
    The K-band spectrum of the cataclysmic variable RXJ 0502.8+1624 (Tau 4)
    We present the K-band spectrum of the cataclysmic variable RXJ 0502.8+1624 (Tau 4). The spectrum shows a broad, smooth hump, with no absorption lines from the...
  • Publication
    The Li I resonance line in the spectra of X-ray nova accretion discs
    We study the formation of the Li I lambda 6708 Angstroms resonance doublet in spectra of X-ray novae during the stage of outburst decay. We discuss the general...
  • Publication
    The magnetic SW Sextantis star RXJ1643.7+3402
    We present time-resolved spectroscopy and circular spectropolarimetry of the SW Sex star RXJ1643.7+3402. We find significant polarization levels exhibiting a...
  • Publication
    The mass of the white dwarf in YY Dra (=DO Dra): Dynamical measurement and comparative study with X-ray estimates
    We present a dynamical study of the intermediate polar cataclysmic variable YY Dra based on time-series observations in the K band, where the donor star is...
  • Publication
    The massive white dwarf in the recurrent nova TCrB
    We have obtained I-, J-, H- and K-band light curves of the recurrent nova TCrB. We find that we can fit the J-band light curve only with a Roche lobe filling...
  • Publication
    The mysterious eruption of V838 Mon
    V838 Mon is marking one of the most mysterious stellar outbursts on record. The spectral energy distribution of the progenitor resembles an under-luminous F...
  • Publication
    The non-radially pulsating primary of the cataclysmic variable GW Librae
    The dwarf nova GW Librae (GW Lib) is the first cataclysmic variable (CV) discovered to have a primary in a white dwarf instability strip, making it the first...
  • Talk
    The nova outburst: a changing paradigm
    Spectroscopic observations of novae date back a century, and the fundamental nature of the outburst has been understood for 50 years. Yet, recent observations...