A search for classical novae in nearby southern galaxies

Francesco Di Mille, R. Angeloni & J. Anais

Las Campanas Observatory, Chile

The total energy released during the outburst of a classical nova is only exceeded by gamma ray bursts supernovae and some luminous blue variables. By virtue of their high luminosity, classical novae can be detected well outside the Local Group, up to the nearest large Galaxy clusters, like Fornax and Virgo. The study of these transients in nearby galaxies allows us to investigate the evolution of close binary systems in different environments, and the factors that influence their origin. During the first phase of the outburst, novae exhibits a strong Halpha emission that usually has a decline rate much slower of the optical broad-band light curve. Therefore, narrow band imaging centered on Halpha can be used to facilitate a search whenever a frequent monitoring is not possible. In this poster we present some preliminary results of an Halpha survey that we are conducting at Las Campanas Observatory. In particular, we will show photometry and spectroscopy of a bright nova recently discovered in NGC 55.

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