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[18.01] X-ray Observations of Recent Classical Novae: on the Fast Recovery of a Cataclysmic Variable after a Nova Explosion

M. Hernanz, G. Sala (IEEC-CSIC)

We report on X-ray observations of recent Galactic novae, performed with the XMM-Newton satellite. Three out of the five observed objects have been detected by the EPIC cameras, up to 3.7 years after the nova explosion. Hard X-ray emission (up to 8 keV) has been detected in these objects, as early as 2.5 years after the outburst. The results of the spectral analysis indicate that the soft X-rays seem compatible with photospheric emission from the hot white dwarf, probably because of remaining hydrogen nuclear burning. On the other hand, hard X-rays are most probably related with emission associated with resumed accretion in the cataclysmic variable. Therefore, an extremely fast recovery of the accretion stream has been detected thanks to the X-ray observations, which has important implications for the connection between nova explosions and cataclysmic variables.

Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 35#2
© 2003. The American Astronomical Soceity.