SIMBAD references

M. Dennefeld and F. Ricquebourg, Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris; and Y. Damerdji, Observatoire de Haute-Provence (OHP), write that they obtained a calibrated spectrum (range 465-830 nm, resolution 0.6 nm) on June 11.1 UT of the possible nova reported on IAUC 8540, using the 1.93-m telescope (+ Carelec spectrograph) at OHP. The spectrum shows a very red continuum but no sign of molecular absorption bands, so reddening appears to be present; there are, however, various metallic stellar absorption features present, compatible with an early K-type star, so this may be a symbiotic nova (though the term 'peculiar nova' is perhaps more appropriate). There are also strong emission lines with narrow P-Cyg profiles at H_alpha and O I (777 nm); the expansion velocities from these lines are 700 km/s in both cases (suggestive of a slow nova). Faint H_beta and numerous faint Fe II lines, all with P-Cyg profiles, are also seen in the range 480-640 nm. Due to the peculiar nature of this nova, continuous photometric and spectroscopic observations are encouraged.