1996PASP..108.1112H

We present near-infrared photometry of two objects that have been classified as clasical novae: CK Vulpeculae and V605 Aquilae. We were surprised to find that CK Vul was a moderately bright near-infrared source (m_K = 14.13). Infrared images conclusively show that the near-infrared source is positionally coincident with the optical candidate for CK Vul. We are able to model the near-infrared + IRAS spectral energy distributions of both objects with a two-component model composed of a heavily extinguished central source, and a cooler blackbody source consistent with a cool dust shell. The combination of the model results and the outburst parameters suggest that these two objects might be of a similar nature. If we are to make this association, however, the central source luminosity of CK Vul object must have declined dramatically since the eruption in 1670. Because of its brightness, near-infrared spectroscopy of the CK Vul counterpart should be easily achievable with current instrumentation. Such observations are needed to determine the true nature of this source.