The spectral evolution and ejecta of recurrent nova U Sco in the 2010 outburst

Abstract

Synoptic spectroscopic observations of the U Sco 2010 outburst from maximum light to quiescence as well as a contemporaneous X-ray observation are presented and analyzed. TheX-ray spectrum 52 days after outburst indicates a hot source (kTbb ∼ 70 eV). Narrow-line components from the irradiated companion atmosphere were observed in hydrogen and helium optical recombination lines. The formation of a nebular spectrum is seen for the first time in this class of recurrent novae, allowing a detailed study of the ejecta using photoionization models. Unusual [O iii] auroral-to-nebular line ratios were found and possible scenarios of their origin are discussed. The modeling of the emission line spectrum suggests highly heterogeneous ejecta with masses around or above 3 × 10-6 Msun. © 2010. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.