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arXiv · 2410.19010

Identification of Z Cam's Historical Counterpart: The Quest for an Ancient Nova

Bo-Shun Yang·Susanne M Hoffmann
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Abstract

In recent astronomical discussions, attempts have been made to link the known dwarf nova Z Cam to historical celestial events, particularly the "guest star" phenomenon reported in China in 77 BCE. Despite other suggestions and the problems with regard to the location of the event in 77 BCE, its identification with Z Cam is used in the Variable Star IndeX (VSX) of the AAVSO and in several research papers that aim to derive knowledge on the evolution of cataclysmic variables. Through the reconstruction of the super-constellation of the Purple Palace in the Han Dynasty, we found that Z Cam is actually located outside this enclosure, contradicting the records of the 77 BCE guest star being "within the Purple Palace". With newly found text versions of the guest star in 77 BCE, we narrowed down the position given therein. Combined with a new analysis of accompanying divination text leads to the conclusion that this guest star was actually a comet. Finally, through meticulous examination and comparison, we conclude that the guest star of 369 CE appears the most plausible candidate for Z Cam's historical counterpart, aligning with both textual evidence and modern astronomical observations.

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Bo-Shun Yang, Susanne M Hoffmann. 2024-10-22. Identification of Z Cam's Historical Counterpart: The Quest for an Ancient Nova. https://doi.org/10.1088/1674-4527/ad89aa

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