Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams
IAUC 8036: EDITORIAL NOTICE; V838 Mon
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Circular No. 8036
Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams
INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMICAL UNION
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V838 MONOCEROTIS
D. P. K. Banerjee and N. M. Ashok, Physical Research
Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, report J-band imaging and near-
infrared spectroscopy at 1.08-2.35 microns, with the Mt. Abu 1.2-m
telescope (+ PRL Near Infrared Imaging Spectrometer + HgCdTe
NICMOS3 detector array) of V838 Mon. J-band images taken on Dec.
14 clearly detect a faint shell around V838 Mon (seen earlier only
in the optical). The shell (diameter approximately 60") is fairly
spherical but more extended in the east-west direction. The
brightest J-band feature is an enhanced bar structure seen in the
north-west direction. JHK spectroscopy (resolution about 1000)
confirms earlier reports (IAUC 8016) that the near-infrared
spectrum of V838 Mon has evolved significantly. The previously
reported absorption bands at 1.23, 1.25, 1.65, and 1.69 microns and
the first-overtone CO bands have persisted and are prominently seen
during three recent observations (Nov. 20, Dec. 7, 13). The H-band
absorption features are especially strong, while the CO band
structure is rather similar to its appearance during the second
outburst of V838 Mon on 2002 Feb. 2 (Banerjee and Ashok 2002, A.Ap.
395, 161).
(C) Copyright 2002 CBAT
2002 December 20 (8036) Daniel W. E. Green
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