2005PASP..117..938M

This paper collects together early IAU Circular observations, plots the light curve, and presents our own spectra of V475 Scuti (Nova Sct 2003). We describe the early spectral evolution of this nova during the 7 weeks after its discovery. The principal spectra show this nova to be a common Fe II type (R. E. Williams et al.). The nova displayed dominant Balmer lines and numerous Fe II multiplets (42, 48, 49, 55, and 74), with strong, well-distributed P Cygni profiles that disappeared near the end of our observations. Spectral evolution produced low-ionization forbidden lines consistent with an auroral phase (R. E. Williams et al.). V475 Sct was a fast nova, with t₂=22 days and with a type Ba light curve (H. W. Duerbeck) from the American Association of Variable Star Observers. The Hα velocity widths showed a twofold increase, together with an unusual broadening of the line, during our observations. The lack of structure within the high-resolution Hα profiles suggests that the nova is exhibiting an isotropic expansion as an optically thick wind, which may result in material falling back onto the white dwarf. We encourage further monitoring.