THE DUSTY NOVA V1065 CENTAURI (NOVA CEN 2007): A SPECTROSCOPIC ANALYSIS OF ABUNDANCES AND DUST PROPERTIES

We examine the ejecta evolution of the classical nova V1065 Centauri, constructing a detailed picture of the system based on spectrophotometric observations obtained from 9 to approximately 900 days post-outburst with extensive coverage from optical to mid-infrared wavelengths. We estimate a reddening toward the system of E(B-V) = 0.5 {+-} 0.1, based upon the B - V color and analysis of the Balmer decrement, and derive a distance estimate of 8.7{sup +2.8}{sub -2.1} kpc. The optical spectral evolution is classified as P {sup o}{sub fe} N{sub ne} A{sub o} according to the CTIO Nova Classification system of Williams et al. Photoionization modeling yields absolute abundance values by number, relative to solar of He/H = 1.6 {+-} 0.3, N/H = 144 {+-} 34, O/H = 58 {+-} 18, and Ne/H = 316 {+-} 58 for the ejecta. We derive an ejected gas mass of M{sub g} = (1.6 {+-} 0.2) x 10{sup -4} M{sub sun}. The infrared excess at late epochs in the evolution of the nova arises from dust condensed in the ejecta composed primarily of silicate grains. We estimate a total dust mass, M{sub d} , of order (0.2-3.7) x 10{sup -7} M{sub sun}, inferred from modeling the spectral energy distribution observed with the Spitzer IRS and Gemini-South GNIRS spectrometers. Based on the speed class, neon abundance, and the predominance of silicate dust, we classify V1065 Cen as an ONe-type classical nova.