ABSTRACT We present an analysis of the evolution of circumstellar dust and molecules in the environment of the very late thermal pulse object V4334 Sgr (Sakurai’s object) over an ∼20-yr period, drawing on ground-, airborne-, and space-based infrared photometry and spectroscopy. The dust emission, which started in 1997, resembles a blackbody that cooled from ∼1200 K in 1998 August to ∼180 K in 2016 July. The dust mass, assuming amorphous carbon, was ∼5 × 10−10 M⊙ in 1998 August, and we estimate that the total dust mass was ∼2 × 10−5 M⊙ by ∼2016. The appearance of a near-infrared excess in 2008 suggests that a new episode of (or renewed) mass-loss began then. We infer lower limits on the bolometric luminosity of the embedded star from that of the dust shell, which rose to ∼16 000 L⊙ before declining to ∼3000 L⊙. There is evidence for weak 6–7 μm absorption, which we attribute to hydrogenated amorphous carbon formed in material ejected by Sakurai’s object during a mass ejection phase that preceded the 1997 event. We detect small hydrocarbon and other molecules in the spectra, and trace the column densities in hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and acetylene (C2H2). We use the former to determine the 12C/13C ratio to be 6.4 ± 0.7, 14 times smaller than the Solar system value.

We present 5–28 μ m SOFIA FORECAST spectroscopy complemented by panchromatic X-ray through infrared observations of the CO nova V5668 Sgr documenting the formation and destruction of dust during ∼500 days following outburst. Dust condensation commenced by 82 days after outburst at a temperature of ∼1090 K. The condensation temperature indicates that the condensate was amorphous carbon. There was a gradual decrease of the grain size and dust mass during the recovery phase. Absolute parameter values given here are for an assumed distance of 1.2 kpc. We conclude that the maximum mass of dust produced was 1.2 × 10 −7 M ⊙ if the dust was amorphous carbon. The average grain radius grew to a maximum of ∼2.9 μ m at a temperature of ∼720 K around day 113 when the shell visual optical depth was τ v ∼ 5.4. Maximum grain growth was followed by a period of grain destruction. X-rays were detected with Swift from day 95 to beyond day 500. The Swift X-ray count rate due to the hot white dwarf peaked around day 220, when its spectrum was that of a kT = 35 eV blackbody. The temperature, together with the supersoft X-ray turn-on and turn-off times, suggests a white dwarf mass of ∼1.1 M ⊙ . We show that the X-ray fluence was sufficient to destroy the dust. Our data show that the post-dust event X-ray brightening is not due to dust destruction, which certainly occurred, as the dust is optically thin to X-rays.

We present infrared spectroscopy of the classical nova V339 Del, obtained over an similar to 2-yr period. The infrared emission lines were initially symmetrical, with half width half-maximum velocities of 525 km s(-1). In later (t greater than or similar to 77 d, 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 approximately day 34.75 at a condensation temperature of 1480 +/- 20 K, consistent with graphitic carbon. Thereafter, the dust temperature declined with time as T-d alpha t(-0.346), also consistent with graphitic carbon. The mass of dust initially rose, as a result of an increase in grain size and/or number, peaked at approximately 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. The appendix summarizes Planck means for carbon and the determination of grain mass and radius for a carbon dust shell.

Nova LMC 2009a is confirmed as a recurrent nova (RN) from positional coincidence with nova LMC 1971b. The observational data set is one of the most comprehensive for any Galactic or extragalactic RN: optical and near-IR photometry from outburst until over 6 years later; optical spectra for the first 6 months, and Swift satellite ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray observations from 9 days to almost 1 year post-outburst. We find M-V = -8.4 +/- 0.8(r) +/- 0.7(s) and expansion velocities between 1000 and 4000 km s(-1). Coronal line emission before day 9 indicates shocks in the ejecta. Strengthening of He II lambda 4686 preceded the emergence of the super-soft source (SSS) in X-rays at similar to 63-70 days, which was initially very variable. Periodic modulations, P = 1.2 days, most probably orbital in nature, were evident in the UV and optical from day 43. Subsequently, the SSS shows an oscillation with the same period but with a delay of 0.28P. The progenitor system has been identified; the secondary is most likely a sub-giant feeding a luminous accretion disk. Properties of the SSS infer a white dwarf (WD) mass 1.1 M-circle dot less than or similar to M-WD less than or similar to 1.3 M-circle dot. If the accretion occurs at a constant rate, (M) over dot(acc) similar or equal to 3.6(-2.5)(+4.7) 10(-7) M-circle dot yr(-1) is needed, consistent with nova models for an inter-eruption interval of 38 years, low outburst amplitude, progenitor position in the color-magnitude diagram, and spectral energy distribution at quiescence. We note striking similarities between LMC 2009a and the Galactic nova KT Eri, suggesting that KT Eri is a candidate RN.

We present ground-based infrared photometry, JHK spectroscopy, and 5-28 mu m SOFIA FORCAST spectroscopy documenting the early temporal development of Nova Delphini 2013 (V339 Del). We derive a distance of similar to 4.5 kpc using data available from the early expansion of the fireball. This distance gives an outburst luminosity of similar to 8.3 x 10(5) L-circle dot making V339 Del the most luminous CO nova on record. Our data provide new constraints on the ejected gas mass and the dust yield in fast CO novae. The ejected gas mass as estimated by the cutoff wavelength during the free-free emission phase is similar to 7.5 x 10(-5) M-circle dot. There is evidence for the formation of similar to 1.2 (+/- 0.4) x 10(-7) M-circle dot of dust about 102 days after outburst. The gas to dust ratio of similar to 470/1-940/1 implies that dust production was much less efficient in V339 Del than is the case for most CO novae.

We present Spitzer Space Telescope and Herschel Space Observatory infrared observations of the recurrent nova T Pyx during its 2011 eruption, complemented by ground-base optical-infrared photometry. We find that the eruption has heated dust in the pre-existing nebulosity associated with T Pyx. This is most likely interstellar dust swept up by T Pyx - either during previous eruptions or by a wind - rather than the accumulation of dust produced during eruptions.

We present Spitzer Space Telescope mid-infrared IRS spectra, supplemented by ground-based optical observations, of the classical novae V1974 Cyg, V382Vel, and V1494 Aql more than 11, 8, and 4 years after outburst, respectively. The spectra are dominated by forbidden emission from neon and oxygen, though in some cases, there are weak signatures of magnesium, sulfur, and argon. We investigate the geometry and distribution of the late time ejecta by examination of the emission line profiles. Using nebular analysis in the low-density regime, we estimate lower limits on the abundances in these novae. In V1974 Cyg and V382 Vel, our observations confirm the abundance estimates presented by other authors and support the claims that these eruptions occurred on ONe white dwarfs (WDs). We report the first detection of neon emission in V1494 Aql and show that the system most likely contains a COWD.

We present infrared spectra of the binary XX Oph obtained with the Infrared Spectrograph on the Spitzer Space Telescope. The data show some evidence for the presence of solid C-60 - the first detection of C-60 in the solid phase - together with the well-known 'unidentified infrared' emission features. We suggest that, in the case of XX Oph, the C-60 is located close to the hot component, and that in general it is preferentially excited by stars having effective temperatures in the range 15 000-30 000 K. C-60 may be common in circumstellar environments, but unnoticed in the absence of a suitable exciting source.

Swift X-ray observations of the ~60 day super-soft phase of the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi 2006 show the progress of nuclear burning on the white dwarf in exquisite detail. First seen 26 days after the optical outburst, this phase started with extreme variability likely due to variable absorption, although intrinsic white dwarf variations are not excluded. About 32 days later, a steady decline in count-rate set in. NLTE model atmosphere spectral fits during the super-soft phase show that the effective temperature of the white dwarf increases from ~65 eV to ~90 eV during the extreme variability phase, falling slowly after about day 60 and more rapidly after day 80. The bolometric luminosity is seen to be approximately constant and close to Eddington from day 45 up to day 60, the subsequent decline possibly signalling the end of extensive nuclear burning. Before the decline, a multiply-periodic, ~35 s modulation of the soft X-rays was present and may be the signature of a nuclear fusion driven instability. Our measurements are consistent with a white dwarf mass near the Chandrasekhar limit; combined with a deduced accumulation of mass transferred from its binary companion, this leads us to suggest RS Oph is a strong candidate for a future supernova explosion. The main uncertainty now is whether the WD is the CO type necessary for a SN Ia. This may be confirmed by detailed abundance analyses of spectroscopic data from the outbursts.

Two XMM-Newton observations of the fast classical nova V2491 Cyg were carried out in short succession on days 39.93 and 49.62 after discovery, during the supersoft source (SSS) phase, yielding simultaneous X-ray and UV light curves and high-resolution X-ray spectra. The first X-ray light curve is highly variable, showing oscillations with a period of 37.2 minutes after an extended factor of three decline lasting similar to 3 hr, while the second X-ray light curve is less variable. The cause of the dip is currently unexplained and has most likely the same origin as similar events in the early SSS light curves of the novae V4743 Sgr and RS Oph, as it occurred on the same timescale. The oscillations are not present during the dip minimum and also not in the second observation. The UV light curves are variable but contain no dips and no period. High-resolution X-ray spectra are presented for four intervals of differing intensity. All spectra are atmospheric continua with deep absorption lines and absorption edges. Two interstellar lines of OI and NI are clearly seen at their rest wavelengths, while a large number of high-ionization absorption lines are found at blueshifts indicating an expansion velocity of 3000-3400 km s(-1), which does not change significantly during the epochs of observation. Comparisons with the slower nova V4743 Sgr and the symbiotic recurrent nova RS Oph are presented. The SSS spectrum of V4743 Sgr is much softer with broader and more complex photospheric absorption lines. The ejecta are extended, allowing us to view a larger range of the radial velocity profile. Meanwhile, the absorption lines in RS Oph are as narrow as in V2491 Cyg, but they are less blueshifted. A remarkable similarity in the continua of V2491 Cyg and RS Oph is found. The only differences are smaller line shifts and additional emission lines in RS Oph that are related to the presence of a dense stellar wind from the evolved companion. Three unidentified absorption lines are present in the X-ray spectra of all three novae, with projected rest wavelengths 26.05 angstrom, 29.45 angstrom, and 30.0 angstrom. No entirely satisfactory spectral model is currently available for the soft X-ray spectra of novae in outburst, and careful discussion of assumptions is required.

We examine the ejecta evolution of the classical nova V1065 Centauri, constructing a detailed picture of the system based on spectrophotometric observations obtained from 9 to approximately 900 days post-outburst with extensive coverage from optical to mid-infrared wavelengths. We estimate a reddening toward the system of E(B - V) = 0.5 +/- 0.1, based upon the B - V color and analysis of the Balmer decrement, and derive a distance estimate of 8.7(-2.1)(+2.8) - kpc. The optical spectral evolution is classified as P(fe)(o)N(ne)A(o) according to the CTIO Nova Classification system of Williams et al. Photoionization modeling yields absolute abundance values by number, relative to solar of He/H = 1.6 +/- 0.3, N/H = 144 +/- 34, O/H = 58 +/- 18, and Ne/H = 316 +/- 58 for the ejecta. We derive an ejected gas mass of M-g = (1.6 +/- 0.2) x 10(-4) M-circle dot. The infrared excess at late epochs in the evolution of the nova arises from dust condensed in the ejecta composed primarily of silicate grains. We estimate a total dust mass, M-d, of order (0.2-3.7) x 10 (7) M-circle dot, inferred from modeling the spectral energy distribution observed with the Spitzer IRS and Gemini-South GNIRS spectrometers. Based on the speed class, neon abundance, and the predominance of silicate dust, we classify V1065 Cen as an ONe-type classical nova.

We present Spitzer Space Telescope observations of the 'peculiar variable' DZ Cru, identified by Rushton et al. as a classical nova. A dust shell, on which are superimposed a number of features, is prominent in the 5-35 mu m range some 4 yr after eruption. We suggest that the dust in DZ Cru is primarily hydrogenated amorphous carbon in which aliphatic bands currently predominate and which may become either predominantly aromatic as the dust is photoprocessed by ultraviolet radiation from the stellar remnant or more likely completely destroyed.