Spitzer Infrared Observations of the Galactic Classical Nova V2615 Ophiuchus

Abstract

Abstract Classical novae contribute to the cycle of chemical enrichment of the interstellar medium through through explosive nucleosynthesis and the violent ejection of material dredged from the white dwarf progenitor and mixed with the accreted surface layers. Analysis of archival NASA Spitzer spectroscopic observations of V2615 Ophiuchus shows that [O iv] 25.89 μm is a strong coolant and that no evidence for deceleration of the ejecta was present ∼1000 days after outburst, based on observed Spitzer InfraRed Spectrograph emission line average FWHM velocities of ≃600 km s−1.