Spectroscopic Confirmation of two Local Group Novae: TCP J01340439+3039043 in M33 and PNV J00424418+4114517 in M31
A. W. Shafter (SDSU), R. Ciardullo (PSU), M. J. Darnley, M. F. Bode (Liverpool JMU)
We report spectroscopic observations of TCP J01340439+3039043 (tentatively identified as M33N 2013-01a) and PNV J00424418+4114517 (tentatively identified as M31N 2013-01a), which were discovered on 2013 Jan. 04.466 UT and Jan. 05.137 UT by K. Nishiyama and F. Kabashima, and by S. Kiyota, respectively. Photometry by Nishiyama and Kabashima established that the novae became relatively bright at maximum light with M33N 2013-01a reaching m ~ 17 and M31N 2013-01a reaching m ~ 16 (both unfiltered).

At our request, spectra (410–900 nm) of both nova candidates were obtained by J. Caldwell between 2013 Jan. 08.14 and 08.18 UT with the 9.2m Hobby-Eberly Telescope (+ Marcario Low-Resolution Spectrograph). The spectra (see link below) confirm that both objects are in fact novae, and that they are typical members of the Fe II spectroscopic class. The spectrum of M33N 2013-01a is characterized by Balmer and Fe II emission features (FWHM Hα ~ 1500 km/s) superimposed on a nearly flat continuum, while that of M31N 2013-01a is characteristic of a somewhat younger nova, displaying narrower Balmer and Fe II emission features (FWHM Hα ~ 1100 km/s), with P Cyg profiles, superimposed on a blue continuum. We thank K. Nishiyama and F. Kabashima (Miyaki-Argenteus Observatory) for bringing these nova candidates to our attention. A.W.S. is grateful to the NSF for support through AST-1009566.
optical,nova,transient