The Early Post-outburst Infrared Spectrum of the Stellar Merger V1309 Scorpii (Nova Scorpii 2008)

Abstract In this paper we present a 0.8–2.4 μ m spectrum of the stellar merger V1309 Scorpii (Nova Scorpii 2008). The spectrum was acquired within three days of discovery and a day before maximum light and has the appearance of a F supergiant. It is dominated by H i line absorptions and closely mimicks that of a classical novae with a massive ejected shell shortly after outburst. The spectrum also displays Fe ii features—all in emission—and absorption lines due to C i , S i and Ca ii . Weak molecular absorption from carbon monoxide may also be present.