Infrared Observations of Southern Classical Novae 1991 to 1992

Abstract

We report on a program to monitor classical novae (CNe) to determine if they produced dust in the ejecta created by their outbursts. Of the ten systems we followed, five produced dust. We also present limited infrared and optical spectroscopy of these objects. We present a complete $JHKLM$ spectrum for V992 Sco. V992 Sco was one of the brightest CNe in the infrared of all time, and our $M$-band spectrum of this object shows strong emission from the CO fundamental. We believe this to be the first, and only, spectroscopic observation of this feature in a CNe.