2025RNAAS...9...26R

In this paper we present a 0.8-2.4 μm spectrum of the stellar merger V1309 Scorpii (Nova Scorpii 2008). The spectrum was acquired within three days of discovery and a day before maximum light and has the appearance of a F supergiant. It is dominated by H I line absorptions and closely mimicks that of a classical novae with a massive ejected shell shortly after outburst. The spectrum also displays Fe II features-all in emission-and absorption lines due to C I, S I and Ca II. Weak molecular absorption from carbon monoxide may also be present.