Infrared observations of the recurrent nova T Pyxidis: ancient dust basks in the warm glow of the 2011 outburst

astro-ph.SR

/ Authors

A. Evans, R. D. Gehrz, L. A. Helton, S. Starrfield, M. F. Bode, J. P. Osborne, D. P. K. Banerjee, J. -U. Ness, F. M. Walter, C. E. Woodward

and 8 more authors

E. Kuulkers, S. P. S. Eyres, J. M. Oliveira, N. M. Ashok, J. Krautter, T. J. O'Brien, K. L. Page, M. T. Rushton

/ Abstract

We present Spitzer Space Telescope and Herschel Space Observatory infrared observations of the recurrent nova T Pyx during its 2011 eruption, complemented by ground-base optical-infrared photometry. We find that the eruption has heated dust in the pre-existing nebulosity associated with T Pyx. This is most likely interstellar dust swept up by T Pyx - either during previous eruptions or by a wind - rather than the accumulation of dust produced during eruptions.