A search for cool molecular gas in GK Persei and other classical novae

Abstract

Detecting molecular line emission from classical nova remnants has the potential to reveal information on the composition of the ejecta, in particular accurate isotopic ratios in the matter processed by a thermonuclear runaway. We conducted searches toward more than 100 classical novae for emission in lines of CO or HCN molecules using single-dish telescopes and interferometric arrays at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths. The survey demonstrates that classical novae, young or old, are not strong sources of molecular emission at submillimeter or millimeter wavelengths. Additionally, we mapped CO emission around Nova Persei 1901 (GK Per), earlier claimed to be of circumstellar origin. Our measurements indicate that the observed emission is from the interstellar medium. Although no molecular emission at millimeter or submillimeter wavelengths has been found in classical novae, it is still likely that some will be detected with high-sensitivity interferometers such as ALMA.