Observational Report on the Classical Nova KT Eridani

Abstract

A report on the spectroscopic and multi-color photometric observations of high galactic latitude classical nova KT Eridani (Nova Eridani 2009) is presented. After 12.2 days from maximum light, broad and prominent emission lines of Balmer series, He I, He II, N II, N III and O I can be seen on the spectra. The FWHM of H${\alpha}$ line yields an expansion velocity of approximately 3400 km s$^{-1}$. After 279.4 days from maximum light, we can see prominent emission lines of He II and [O III] on the spectrum. Among them, [O III] (4959, 5007) lines show multiple peaks. From the obtained light curve, KT Eri is classified to be a very fast nova, with a decline rate by two magnitude of $6.2 \pm 0.3$ days and three of $14.3 \pm 0.7$ days. We tried to estimate the absolute magnitude ($M_V$) using the Maximum Magnitude versus Rate of Decline relationship and distance of KT Eri. The calculated $M_V$ is approximately -9. Accordingly, the distance and galactic height are approximately 7 kpc and 4 kpc, respectively. Hence, KT Eri is concluded to be located outside of the galactic disk.