arXiv subjects

D. P. K. Banerjee

Publications and source records attributed to D. P. K. Banerjee.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2017

Infrared spectroscopy of the remnant of Nova Sco 2014: a symbiotic star with too little circumstellar matter to decelerate the ejecta

Pre-outburst 2MASS and WISE photometry of Nova Sco 2014 (V1534 Sco) have suggested the presence of a cool giant at the location of the nova in the sky. The spectral evolution recorded for the nova did not however support a direct partnership because no flash-ionized wind and no deceleration of the ejecta were observed, contrary to the behavior displayed by other novae which erupted within symbiotic binaries like V407 Cyg or RS Oph. We have therefore obtained an 0.8-2.5 micron spectra of the remnant of Nova Sco 2014 in order to ascertain if a cool giant is indeed present and if it is physically associated with the nova. The spectrum shows the presence of a M6III giant, reddened by E(B-V)=1.20, displaying the typical and narrow emission-line spectrum of a symbiotic star, including HeI 1.0830 $μ$m with a deep P-Cyg profile. This makes Nova Sco 2014 a new member of the exclusive club of novae that erupt within a symbiotic binary. Nova Sco 2014 shows that a nova erupting witin a symbiotic binary does not always come with a deceleration of the ejecta, contrary to the common belief. Many other similar systems may lay hidden in past novae, expecially in those that erupted prior to the release of the 2MASS all-sky infrared survey, which could be profitably cross-matched now against them.

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arXiv2017

Discovery of a possible symbiotic binary in the Large Magellanic Cloud

We report the discovery of a possible symbiotic star, in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). The object under consideration here, designated as RP 870, was detected during the course of a comprehensive H$α$ survey of the LMC by Reid & Parker (2012). The spectrum of RP 870 showed high ionization emission lines of He I, He II and [O III] and molecular absorption bands of TiO $λ$$λ$6180, 7100. The collective signatures of a hot component (high excitation/ionization lines) and of a cool component (TiO molecular bands) are seen in RP 870, from which we propose it as a symbiotic star. Since known symbiotic systems are rare in the LMC, possibly less than a dozen are known, we thought the present detection to be interesting enough to be reported.

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arXiv2017

Near-infrared and optical studies of the highly obscured nova V1831 Aquilae (Nova Aquilae 2015)

Near Infrared (NIR) and optical photometry and spectroscopy are presented for the nova V1831 Aquilae, covering the early decline and dust forming phases during the first $\sim$90 days after its discovery. The nova is highly reddened due to interstellar extinction. Based solely on the nature of NIR spectrum we are able to classify the nova to be of the Fe II class. The distance and extinction to the nova are estimated to be 6.1 $\pm$ 0.5 kpc and $A_{\rm v}$ $\sim$ 9.02 respectively. Lower limits of the electron density, emission measure and ionized ejecta mass are made from a Case B analysis of the NIR Brackett lines while the neutral gas mass is estimated from the optical [OI] lines. We discuss the cause for a rapid strengthening of the He I 1.0830 $μ$m line during the early stages. V1831 Aql formed a modest amount of dust fairly early ($\sim$ 19.2 days after discovery); the dust shell is not seen to be optically thick. Estimates are made of the dust temperature, dust mass and grain size. Dust formation commences around day 19.2 at a condensation temperature of 1461 $\pm$ 15 K, suggestive of a carbon composition, following which the temperature is seen to gradually decrease to 950K. The dust mass shows a rapid initial increase which we interpret as being due to an increase in the number of grains, followed by a period of constancy suggesting the absence of grain destruction processes during this latter time. A discussion is made of the evolution of these parameters, including certain peculiarities seen in the grain radius evolution.

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arXiv2017

Spitzer observations of SN 2014J and properties of mid-IR emission in Type Ia supernovae

SN 2014J in M82 is the closest Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) in decades. The proximity allows for detailed studies of supernova physics and provides insights into the circumstellar and interstellar environment. In this work we analyze Spitzer mid-IR data of SN 2014J in the 3.6 and 4.5 μm wavelength range, together with several other nearby and well-studied SNe Ia. We compile the first composite mid-IR light-curve templates from our sample of SNe~Ia, spanning the range from before peak brightness well into the nebular phase. Our observations indicate that SNe Ia form a very homogeneous class of objects at these wavelengths. Using the low-reddening supernovae for comparison, we constrain possible thermal emission from circumstellar dust around the highly reddened SN 2014J. We also study SNe 2006X and 2007le, where the presence of matter in the circumstellar environment has been suggested. No significant mid-IR excess is detected, allowing us to place upper limits on the amount of pre-existing dust in the circumstellar environment. For SN 2014J, $M_{dust} < 10^{-5}$ M$_{\odot}$ within $r_{dust} \sim 10^{17}$ cm, which is insufficient to account for the observed extinction. Similar limits are obtained for SNe 2006X and 2007le.

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arXiv2016

Rise and fall of the dust shell of the classical nova V339 Delphini

We present infrared spectroscopy of the classical nova V339 Delphini, obtained over a $\sim2$ year period. The infrared emission lines were initially symmetrical, with HWHM velocities of 525 km s$^{-1}$. In later ($t\gtrsim77$days, where $t$ is the time from outburst) spectra however, the lines displayed a distinct asymmetry, with a much stronger blue wing, possibly due to obscuration of the receding component by dust. Dust formation commenced at $\sim$ day 34.75 at a condensation temperature of $1480\pm20$K, consistent with graphitic carbon. Thereafter the dust temperature declined with time as $T_{\rm d}\propto{t}^{-0.346}$, also consistent with graphitic carbon. The mass of dust initally rose, as a result of an increase in grain size and/or number, peaked at $\sim$ day 100, and then declined precipitously. This decline was most likely caused by grain shattering due to electrostatic stress after the dust was exposed to X-radiation. An Appendix summarises Planck Means for carbon, and the determination of grain mass and radius for a carbon dust shell.

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arXiv2016

Post-maximum near infrared spectra of SN 2014J: A search for interaction signatures

We present near infrared (NIR) spectroscopic and photometric observations of the nearby Type Ia SN 2014J. The seventeen NIR spectra span epochs from +15.3 to +92.5 days after $B$-band maximum light, while the $JHK_s$ photometry include epochs from $-$10 to +71 days. This data is used to constrain the progenitor system of SN 2014J utilizing the Pa$β$ line, following recent suggestions that this phase period and the NIR in particular are excellent for constraining the amount of swept up hydrogen-rich material associated with a non-degenerate companion star. We find no evidence for Pa$β$ emission lines in our post-maximum spectra, with a rough hydrogen mass limit of $\lesssim$0.1 $M_{\odot}$, which is consistent with previous limits in SN 2014J from late-time optical spectra of the H$α$ line. Nonetheless, the growing dataset of high-quality NIR spectra holds the promise of very useful hydrogen constraints.

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arXiv2015

Insights into the evolution of symbiotic recurrent novae from radio synchrotron emission: V745 Scorpii and RS Ophiuchi

We present observations at 610 MHz and 235 MHz using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) of the recurrent nova V745 Scorpii which recorded its last outburst on 6 February 2014. This is the second symbiotic recurrent nova whose light curve at low frequencies has been followed in detail, the first being RS Ophiuchi in 2006. We fitted the 610 MHz light curve by a model of synchrotron emission from an expanding shell being modified by radiative transfer effects due to local absorbing gas consisting of a uniformly distributed and a clumpy component. Using our model parameters, we find that the emission at 235 MHz peaked around day 35 which is consistent with our GMRT observations. The two main results of our study are: (1) The radio emission at a given frequency is visible sooner after the outburst in successive outbursts of both V745 Scorpii and RS Ophiuchi. The earlier detection of radio emission is interpreted to be caused by decreasing foreground densities. (2) The clumpy material, if exists, is close to the white dwarf and can be interpreted as being due to the material from the hot accretion disk. The uniform density gas is widespread and attributed to the winds blown by the white dwarf. We present implications of these results on the evolution of both novae. Such studies alongwith theoretical understanding have the potential of resolving several outstanding issues such as why all recurrent novae are not detectable in synchrotron radio and whether recurrent novae are progenitor systems of type 1a supernova.

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arXiv2015

Near Infrared studies of the carbon-monoxide and dust forming nova V5668 Sgr

We present near-infrared (NIR) observations of Nova V5668 Sgr, discovered in outburst on 2015 March 15.634 UT, between 2d to 107d after outburst. NIR spectral features are used to classify it as a FeII class of nova. The spectra follow the evolution of the spectral lines from a P Cygni stage to a pure emission phase where the shape of the profiles suggests the presence of a bipolar flow. A notable feature is the presence of carbon monoxide first overtone bands which are seen in emission. The CO emission is modeled to make estimates of the mass, temperature and column density to be (0.5--2.0)$\times$ 10$^{-8}$ M$_\odot$, 4000 $\pm$ 300K and (0.36--1.94)$\times$ 10$^{19}$ cm$^{-2}$ respectively. The $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C ratio is estimated to be $\sim$ 1.5. V5668 Sgr was a strong dust producer exhibiting the classical deep dip in its optical light curve during dust formation. Analysis of the dust SED yields a dust mass of 2.7 $\times$ 10${^{\rm -7}}$ $M_\odot $, a blackbody angular diameter of the dust shell of 42 mas and a distance estimate to the nova of 1.54 kpc which agrees with estimates made from MMRD relations.

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arXiv2015

Modelling the synchrotron light curves in recurrent novae V745 Scorpii and RS Ophiuchi

In this paper, we present the synchrotron light curve at 610 MHz from the recurrent nova V745 Sco following its outburst on 6 February 2014. The system has been detected and periodically monitored with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) since 9 February 2014 as part of the Galactic Nova with GMRT (GNovaG) project. The light curves are well fit by a model of synchrotron emitting region obscured by foreground thermal gas which eventually becomes optically thin to the low GMRT frequencies. We present the model fit to the 2014 data on V745 Sco and discuss it alongwith the model fit to the 1.4 GHz data of the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi following its outburst in 1985.

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arXiv2015

Near Infrared studies during maximum and early decline of Nova Cephei 2014 and Nova Scorpii 2015

We present multi-epoch near-infrared photo-spectroscopic observations of Nova Cephei 2014 and Nova Scorpii 2015, discovered in outburst on 2014 March 8.79 UT and 2015 February 11.84 UT respectively. Nova Cep 2014 shows the conventional NIR characteristics of a Fe II class nova characterized by strong CI, HI and O I lines, whereas Nova Sco 2015 is shown to belong to the He/N class with strong He I, HI and OI emission lines. The highlight of the results consists in demonstrating that Nova Sco 2015 is a symbiotic system containing a giant secondary. Leaving aside the T CrB class of recurrent novae, all of which have giant donors, Nova Sco 2015 is shown to be only the third classical nova to be found with a giant secondary. The evidence for the symbiotic nature is three-fold; first is the presence of a strong decelerative shock accompanying the passage of the nova's ejecta through the giant's wind, second is the H$α$ excess seen from the system and third is the spectral energy distribution of the secondary in quiescence typical of a cool late type giant. The evolution of the strength and shape of the emission line profiles shows that the ejecta velocity follows a power law decay with time ($t^{-1.13 \pm 0.17}$). A Case B recombination analysis of the H I Brackett lines shows that these lines are affected by optical depth effects for both the novae. Using this analysis we make estimates for both the novae of the emission measure $n_e^2L$, the electron density $n_e$ and the mass of the ejecta.

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arXiv2015

Infrared studies of Nova Scorpii 2014: an outburst in a symbiotic system sans an accompanying blast wave

Near-IR spectroscopy is presented for Nova Scorpii 2014. It is shown that the outburst occurred in a symbiotic binary system - an extremely rare configuration for a classical nova outburst to occur in but appropriate for the eruption of a recurrent nova of the T CrB class. We estimate the spectral class of secondary as M5III $\pm$ (two sub-classes). The maximum magnitude versus rate of decline (MMRD) relations give an unacceptably large value of 37.5 kpc for the distance. The spectra are typical of the He/N class of novae with strong HeI and H lines. The profiles are broad and flat topped with full width at zero intensities (FWZIs) approaching 9000-10000 km s$^{-1}$ and also have a sharp narrow component superposed which is attributable to emission from the giant's wind. Hot shocked gas, accompanied by X-rays and $γ$ rays, is expected to form when the high velocity ejecta from the nova plows into the surrounding giant wind. Although X-ray emission was observed no $γ$-ray emission was reported. It is also puzzling that no signature of a decelerating shock is seen in the near-infrared (NIR), seen in similar systems like RS Oph, V745 Sco and V407 Cyg, as rapid narrowing of the line profiles. The small outburst amplitude and the giant secondary strongly suggest that Nova Sco 2014 could be a recurrent nova.

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arXiv2015

The Expanding Fireball of Nova Delphini 2013

A classical nova occurs when material accreting onto the surface of a white dwarf in a close binary system ignites in a thermonuclear runaway. Complex structures observed in the ejecta at late stages could result from interactions with the companion during the common envelope phase. Alternatively, the explosion could be intrinsically bipolar, resulting from a localized ignition on the surface of the white dwarf or as a consequence of rotational distortion. Studying the structure of novae during the earliest phases is challenging because of the high spatial resolution needed to measure their small sizes. Here we report near-infrared interferometric measurements of the angular size of Nova Delphini 2013, starting from one day after the explosion and continuing with extensive time coverage during the first 43 days. Changes in the apparent expansion rate can be explained by an explosion model consisting of an optically thick core surrounded by a diffuse envelope. The optical depth of the ejected material changes as it expands. We detect an ellipticity in the light distribution, suggesting a prolate or bipolar structure that develops as early as the second day. Combining the angular expansion rate with radial velocity measurements, we derive a geometric distance to the nova of 4.54 +/- 0.59 kpc from the Sun.

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arXiv2015

Strong near-infrared carbon in the Type Ia supernova iPTF13ebh

We present near-infrared (NIR) time-series spectroscopy, as well as complementary ultraviolet (UV), optical, and NIR data, of the Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) iPTF13ebh, which was discovered within two days from the estimated time of explosion. The first NIR spectrum was taken merely 2.3 days after explosion and may be the earliest NIR spectrum yet obtained of a SN Ia. The most striking features in the spectrum are several NIR C I lines, and the C I λ1.0693 μm line is the strongest ever observed in a SN Ia. Interestingly, no strong optical C II counterparts were found, even though the optical spectroscopic time series began early and is densely-cadenced. Except at the very early epochs, within a few days from the time of explosion, we show that the strong NIR C I compared to the weaker optical C II appears to be general in SNe Ia. iPTF13ebh is a fast decliner with Δm15(B) = 1.79 $\pm$ 0.01, and its absolute magnitude obeys the linear part of the width-luminosity relation. It is therefore categorized as a "transitional" event, on the fast-declining end of normal SNe Ia as opposed to subluminous/91bg-like objects. iPTF13ebh shows NIR spectroscopic properties that are distinct from both the normal and subluminous/91bg-like classes, bridging the observed characteristics of the two classes. These NIR observations suggest composition and density of the inner core similar to that of 91bg-like events, and a deep reaching carbon burning layer not observed in slower declining SNe Ia. There is also a substantial difference between the explosion times inferred from the early-time light curve and the velocity evolution of the Si II λ0.6355 μm line, implying a long dark phase of ~ 4 days.

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arXiv2014

Near-infrared studies of nova V5584 Sgr in the pre-maximum and early decline phase

We present near-infrared spectroscopic and photometric observations of nova V5584 Sgr taken during the first 12 days following its discovery on Oct. 26.439 UT 2009. The evolution of the spectra is shown from the initial P Cygni phase to an emission line phase. The prominent carbon lines seen in the JHK spectra closely match those observed in a FeII class nova outburst. The spectra show first-overtone CO bands in emission between 2.29-2.40 micron. By examining WISE and other publicly available data, we show that the nova underwent a pronounced dust formation phase during February - April 2010.

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arXiv2014

The hybrid, coronal lines nova V5588 Sgr (2011 N.2) and its six repeating secondary maxima

The outburst of Nova Sgr 2011 N.2 (=V5588 Sgr) was followed with optical and near-IR photometric and spectroscopic observations for 3.5 years, beginning shortly before the maximum. V5588 Sgr is located close to Galactic center, suffering from E(B-V)=1.56 (+/-0.1) extinction. The primary maximum was reached at V=12.37 on UT 2011 April 2.5 (+/-0.2), and the underlying smooth decline was moderately fast with t(2,V)=38 and t(3,V)=77 days. On top of an otherwise normal decline, six self-similar, fast evolving and bright secondary maxima (SdM) appeared in succession. Only very few other novae have presented so clear secondary maxima. Both the primary maximum and all SdM occurred at later times with increasing wavelengths, by amounts in agreement with expectations from fireball expansions. The radiative energy released during SdM declined following an exponential pattern, while the breadth of individual SdM and the time interval between them widened. Emission lines remained sharp (FWHM~1000 km/s) throughout the whole nova evolution, with the exception of a broad pedestal with a trapezoidal shape (extending for 3600 km/sec at the top and 4500 km/sec at the bottom) which was only seen during the advanced decline from SdM maxima and was absent in between SdM. V5588 Sgr at maximum light displayed a typical FeII-class spectrum which did not evolve into a nebular stage. About 10 days into the decline from primary maximum, a typical high-ionization He/N-class spectrum appeared and remained visible simultaneously with the FeII-class spectrum, qualifying V5588 Sgr as a rare "hybrid" nova. While the FeII-class spectrum faded into oblivion, the He/N-class spectrum developed strong [FeX] coronal lines.

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arXiv2014

Optical/IR studies of Be stars in NGC 6834 with emphasis on two specific stars

We present optical and infrared photometric and spectroscopic studies of two Be stars in the 70--80-Myr-old open cluster NGC 6834. NGC 6834(1) has been reported as a binary from speckle interferometric studies whereas NGC 6834(2) may possibly be a gamma Cas-like variable. Infrared photometry and spectroscopy from the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT), and optical data from various facilities are combined with archival data to understand the nature of these candidates. High signal-to-noise near-IR spectra obtained from UKIRT have enabled us to study the optical depth effects in the hydrogen emission lines of these stars. We have explored the spectral classification scheme based on the intensity of emission lines in the $H$ and $K$ bands and contrasted it with the conventional classification based on the intensity of hydrogen and helium absorption lines. This work also presents hitherto unavailable UBV CCD photometry of NGC 6834, from which the evolutionary state of the Be stars is identified.

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arXiv2014

V838 Monocerotis: the central star and its environment a decade after outburst

Aims. V838 Monocerotis erupted in 2002, brightened in a series of outbursts, and eventually developed a spectacular light echo. A very red star emerged a few months after the outburst. The whole event has been interpreted as the result of a merger. Methods. We obtained near-IR and mid-IR interferometric observations of V838 Mon with the AMBER and MIDI recombiners located at the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) array. The MIDI two-beam observations were obtained with the 8m Unit Telescopes between October 2011 and February 2012. The AMBER three-beam observations were obtained with the compact array (B$\leq$m) in April 2013 and the long array (B$\leq$140m) in May 2014, using the 1.8m Auxiliary Telescopes. Results. A significant new result is the detection of a compact structure around V838 Mon, as seen from MIDI data. The extension of the structure increases from a FWHM of 25 mas at 8 μm to 70 mas at 13 μm. At the adopted distance of D = 6.1 $\pm$ 0.6 kpc, the dust is distributed from about 150 to 400 AU around V838 Mon. The MIDI visibilities reveal a flattened structure whose aspect ratio increases with wavelength. The major axis is roughly oriented around a position angle of -10 degrees, which aligns with previous polarimetric studies reported in the literature. This flattening can be interpreted as a relic of the 2002 eruption or by the influence of the currently embedded B3V companion. The AMBER data provide a new diameter for the pseudo-photosphere, which shows that its diameter has decreased by about 40% in 10yrs, reaching a radius R$_*$ = 750 $\pm$ 200 R$_{\odot}$ (3.5 $\pm$ 1.0 AU). Conclusions. After the 2002 eruption, interpreted as the merging of two stars, it seems that the resulting source is relaxing to a normal state. The nearby environment exhibits an equatorial over-density of dust up to several hundreds of AU.

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arXiv2014

The peculiar extinction law of SN2014J measured with The Hubble Space Telescope

The wavelength-dependence of the extinction of Type Ia SN2014J in the nearby galaxy M82 has been measured using UV to near-IR photometry obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope, the Nordic Optical Telescope, and the Mount Abu Infrared Telescope. This is the first time that the reddening of a SN Ia is characterized over the full wavelength range of $0.2$-$2$ microns. A total-to-selective extinction, $R_V\geq3.1$, is ruled out with high significance. The best fit at maximum using a Galactic type extinction law yields $R_V = 1.4\pm0.1$. The observed reddening of SN2014J is also compatible with a power-law extinction, $A_λ/A_V = \left( λ/ {λ_V} \right)^{p}$ as expected from multiple scattering of light, with $p=-2.1\pm0.1$. After correction for differences in reddening, SN2014J appears to be very similar to SN2011fe over the 14 broad-band filter light curves used in our study.

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