A search for the modern counterparts of the Far Eastern guest stars 369 CE, 386 CE and 393 CE

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this study, we apply our previously developed method to investigate ancient transient sightings in order to derive consequences for modern astrophysical problems. We present case studies of three observations of so-called guest stars in the fourth century CE, which lasted several months each. These three observations had been discussed and suggested as possible supernovae, but slow novae are also viable alternatives. Our careful re-interpretation of the historical texts and the currently known objects in the given fields shed new light on this topic. In particular, for the two events in 386 and 393 CE we suggest possible supernova identifications, while in all three cases there are interesting candidates for past classical or recurrent nova eruptions among known cataclysmic variables (CVs) and/or symbiotic stars. We suggest that the transient of 369 can be explained as a classical and possibly recurrent nova instead of a supernova. The most plausible candidates are BZ Cam, a CV with a possible nova shell, or CQ Dra, a naked-eye multiple system perhaps able to permit an overwhelmingly bright nova with day-time visibility.