12200( 10) - 26-Aug-2011 13:06:32 - [ 1] HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE OBSERVING PROGRAM 12200 Version: 10 Check-in Time: 26-Aug-2011 13:06:32 STScI Edit Number: 5 Title STIS UV spectroscopy of a bright classical nova during its super soft X-ray phase ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Type Cycle GO 18 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Investigators Contact? PI: Dr. Gregory James Schwarz American Astronomical Society CoI: Dr. R. Mark Wagner University of Arizona N CoI: Dr. Frederick M. Walter State University of New York at Stony N Brook CoI: Dr. Charles E. Woodward University of Minnesota - Twin Cities N CoI: Dr. Jan-Uwe Ness European Space Agency - ESTEC N CoI: Dr. Sumner G. Starrfield Arizona State University N CoI: Dr. Julian P. Osborne University of Leicester N CoI: Prof. Michael F. Bode Liverpool John Moores University N CoI: Dr. Kim Page University of Leicester N ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Abstract We propose ToO observations of a bright classical nova (CN) in outburst using the STIS echelle to obtain ultraviolet spectroscopy while the source is X-ray luminous. The data will complement our existing ground based optical/infrared and Swift X-ray CN programs and provide continous spectral information from X-ray to the IR during this important X-ray phase for the first time. The UV spectroscopy is a critical bandpass that enables determination of ejecta physical properties, including the elemental abundances, mass, and structure. This information provides insight into the role of CNe in the isotopic enrichment of the interstellar medium, pre-solar grain abundances, details on the mass and composition of the underlying white dwarf, needed checks on hydrodynamic models of the outburst, and constraints on the relationship of CNe as SN Ia progenitors. UV data are key to these analyses, providing the only opportunity to observe strong carbon lines in these objects as well as direct measures of the interstellar reddening. With slit spectroscopy from ~ 1100-3100 Angstroms, HST is currently the only facility that can fill this important gap in the spectral energy distribution. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Observations Description ------------------------ We will observe a bright nova during its super soft source (SSS) X-ray phase as determined by Swift XRT monitoring. The program calls for three separate one orbit visits. The initial ToO trigger occurs when the source enters the SSS phase, e.g., the majority of photons have E ~< 1 keV and a Swift X-ray count rate ~> 0.1 ct/s. The second visit is initiated after the source has reached X-ray maximum and stabilized at an approximately constant level. The last visit is scheduled after the decline in the X-ray light curve indicating that nuclear burning has ended. This will give us UV spectra of the ejecta exposed to different photoionization levels. In order to sample the full spectral range we will use the E140M and E230M 12200( 10) - 26-Aug-2011 13:06:32 - [ 2] gratings. The echelle is necessary to provide high resolution data while also minimizing the flux on the MAMA detectors for this bright source. For each orbit we use the CCD and F28X50LP aperture to acquire the source. A 1 second exposure is sufficient to obtain enough S/N to acquire but if the source is too bright we will switch to the F20X50OII aperture. We will use the E140M and the E230M (lambda1978) to obtain the critical 1150-1700 Angstrom and 1600-2300 Angstrom spectra. In the first and second visits this will be supplmented with an additional E230M (lambda 2707) exposure to get the 2300-3100 Angstrom data. There will be no E230M (lambda 2707) during the third visit. The exposure times for each grating and position should be approximately equal in each visit, e.g. 360-590 seconds in visits 1 and 2 and longer 780-1050 second exposures in visit 3. The 0.2'' X 0.2'' slit will be used unless the nova is too bright in which case we will use an appropriate neutral density filter. This is unlikely as such novae are relatively rare. We will use visual photometry and Swift UVOT data to estimate the UV brightness before each visit to ensure the health of the MAMA detectors. Real Time Justification ----------------------- This is a Target of Opportunity program and thus will be scheduled once the PI identifies an acceptable target. The program also utilizes the STIS MAMA detectors so the observations must be taken in non-SAA impacted orbits. Calibration Justification ------------------------- Additional Comments ------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 12200( 10) - 26-Aug-2011 13:06:32 - [ 3] TARGET LIST Fixed Targets ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tar| Target | Target | Target |Coord | Radial | Flux data No | Name | Description | Position |Eqnx | Vel. | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 NOVA-PYX-189 STAR, RECURRENT NOVA RA=09H04M41.5000S +/- 0.1", J2000 V = 6.5 +/- 0.5 0 DEC=-32D22'47.50" +/- 0.1" Reference Frame: ICRS Comments: This object was generated by the targetselector and retrieved from the SIMBAD database. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 12200( 10) - 26-Aug-2011 13:06:32 - [ 4] Visit: 01 Visit Requirements: BETWEEN 05-MAY-2011:00:00:00 AND 10-MAY-2011:00:00:00 On Hold Comments: Additional Comments: First observation before visual maximum. T Pyx has reached V ~ 7.5 mag. Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exp | Target | Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Central| Optional |Num| Time | Special Num | Name | Config | Mode | or FOV |Element |Waveln.| Parameters |Exp| | Requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/CCD ACQ F25ND3 MIRROR 1 1 S 90 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/FUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E140M 1425 1 360 S 90 -MAMA see below ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/NUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E230M 1978 1 360 S 90 -MAMA see below ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/NUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E230H 2762 1 360 S 90 -MAMA see below ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sub Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Target | Exp |Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Cent.|Primary |Secondary |Iteration |CR-SPLIT |Orbit |Duration Name | Num |Config | Mode | or FOV |Element |Wave.|Pattern Pos |Pattern Pos |Num |Num |Number | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NOVA-PYX-1890 1 STIS/CCD ACQ F25ND3 MIRROR none none none none 1 N/A NOVA-PYX-1890 2 STIS/FUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E140M 1425 none none none none 1 571.0 S -MAMA NOVA-PYX-1890 3 STIS/NUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E230M 1978 none none none none 1 571.0 S -MAMA NOVA-PYX-1890 4 STIS/NUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E230H 2762 none none none none 1 571.0 S -MAMA 12200( 10) - 26-Aug-2011 13:06:32 - [ 5] Visit: 02 Visit Requirements: BETWEEN 27-JUL-2011:00:00:00 AND 05-AUG-2011:00:00:00 On Hold Comments: Additional Comments: Modified V2 for a brighter T Pyx than initially expected. Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exp | Target | Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Central| Optional |Num| Time | Special Num | Name | Config | Mode | or FOV |Element |Waveln.| Parameters |Exp| | Requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/CCD ACQ F25ND3 MIRROR 1 1 S 90 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/CCD ACQ/PEA 0.2X0.05N MIRROR 1 1 S 90 K D ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/FUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E140M 1425 1 250 S 90 -MAMA see below ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/NUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E230M 1978 1 250 S 90 -MAMA see below ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/NUV ACCUM 0.2X0.05N E230M 2707 1 250 S 90 -MAMA D see below ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sub Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Target | Exp |Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Cent.|Primary |Secondary |Iteration |CR-SPLIT |Orbit |Duration Name | Num |Config | Mode | or FOV |Element |Wave.|Pattern Pos |Pattern Pos |Num |Num |Number | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NOVA-PYX-1890 1 STIS/CCD ACQ F25ND3 MIRROR none none none none 1 N/A NOVA-PYX-1890 2 STIS/CCD ACQ/PEA 0.2X0.05 MIRROR none none none none 1 N/A K ND NOVA-PYX-1890 3 STIS/FUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E140M 1425 none none none none 1 392.0 S -MAMA NOVA-PYX-1890 4 STIS/NUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E230M 1978 none none none none 1 392.0 S -MAMA NOVA-PYX-1890 5 STIS/NUV ACCUM 0.2X0.05 E230M 2707 none none none none 1 392.0 S -MAMA ND 12200( 10) - 26-Aug-2011 13:06:32 - [ 6] Visit: 03 Visit Requirements: AFTER 99 BY 50 D TO 120 D; BETWEEN 25-SEP-2011:00:00:00 AND 08-OCT-2011:00:00:00; ON HOLD On Hold Comments: Target of Opportunity. Hold will be released when selected source fades from X-ray maximum as seen by Swift. Additional Comments: To be taken after the large decline from the optical "plateau" or pending an event in the X-ray, e.g. a unexpected rebrightening or final decline. Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exp | Target | Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Central| Optional |Num| Time | Special Num | Name | Config | Mode | or FOV |Element |Waveln.| Parameters |Exp| | Requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/CCD ACQ F25ND3 MIRROR 1 5 S 90 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/FUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E140M 1425 1 780 S 90 -MAMA see below ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/NUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E230M 1978 1 780 S 90 -MAMA see below ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/CCD ACCUM 0.2X0.2 G430L 4300 1 5 S 90 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/NUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E230M 2707 1 155 S 90 -MAMA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sub Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Target | Exp |Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Cent.|Primary |Secondary |Iteration |CR-SPLIT |Orbit |Duration Name | Num |Config | Mode | or FOV |Element |Wave.|Pattern Pos |Pattern Pos |Num |Num |Number | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NOVA-PYX-1890 1 STIS/CCD ACQ F25ND3 MIRROR none none none none 1 N/A NOVA-PYX-1890 2 STIS/FUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E140M 1425 none none none none 1 600.0 S -MAMA NOVA-PYX-1890 3 STIS/NUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E230M 1978 none none none none 1 600.0 S -MAMA NOVA-PYX-1890 4 STIS/CCD ACCUM 0.2X0.2 G430L 4300 none none none 1 1 N/A NOVA-PYX-1890 4 STIS/CCD ACCUM 0.2X0.2 G430L 4300 none none none 2 1 N/A NOVA-PYX-1890 5 STIS/NUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E230M 2707 none none none none 1 N/A -MAMA 12200( 10) - 26-Aug-2011 13:06:32 - [ 7] Visit: 99 Visit Requirements: BETWEEN 25-JUL-2011:00:00:00 AND 05-AUG-2011:00:00:00 On Hold Comments: Additional Comments: This is a substitute visit to replace the currently scheduled 2nd visit. The reason for this substitution is that T Pyx has undergone an unexpected dust formation event, the first in a recurrent nova. The formation of dust has cause the UV flux, as measured by Swift UVOT photometry, to plummet in the last few days. The decrease is sufficient to make parts of the current 2nd visit less than optimal, specifically the neutral density filter on the E230M (2707) exposure. If the second visit plan can be changed we would like to substitute this version to account for the significantly lower UV flux and include a few optical exposures since T Pyx can't currently be observed from the ground. Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Exp | Target | Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Central| Optional |Num| Time | Special Num | Name | Config | Mode | or FOV |Element |Waveln.| Parameters |Exp| | Requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/CCD ACQ F28X50LP MIRROR 1 1 S 90 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/FUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E140M 1425 1 285 S 90 -MAMA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/NUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E230M 1978 1 285 S 90 -MAMA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/NUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E230H 2762 1 35 S 90 -MAMA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/CCD ACCUM 0.2X0.2 G430M 4961 1 1 S 90 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/CCD ACCUM 0.2X0.2 G430M 4706 1 1 S 90 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7 NOVA-PYX-18 STIS/CCD ACCUM 0.2X0.2 G750M 6581 1 1 S 90 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sub Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Target | Exp |Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Cent.|Primary |Secondary |Iteration |CR-SPLIT |Orbit |Duration Name | Num |Config | Mode | or FOV |Element |Wave.|Pattern Pos |Pattern Pos |Num |Num |Number | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NOVA-PYX-1890 1 STIS/CCD ACQ F28X50LP MIRROR none none none none 1 N/A NOVA-PYX-1890 2 STIS/FUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E140M 1425 none none none none 1 N/A -MAMA NOVA-PYX-1890 3 STIS/NUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E230M 1978 none none none none 1 N/A -MAMA NOVA-PYX-1890 4 STIS/NUV ACCUM 0.2X0.2 E230H 2762 none none none none 1 N/A -MAMA NOVA-PYX-1890 5 STIS/CCD ACCUM 0.2X0.2 G430M 4961 none none none 1 1 N/A 12200( 10) - 26-Aug-2011 13:06:32 - [ 8] Sub Exposures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Target | Exp |Instr | Oper. | Aper |Spectral|Cent.|Primary |Secondary |Iteration |CR-SPLIT |Orbit |Duration Name | Num |Config | Mode | or FOV |Element |Wave.|Pattern Pos |Pattern Pos |Num |Num |Number | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NOVA-PYX-1890 5 STIS/CCD ACCUM 0.2X0.2 G430M 4961 none none none 2 1 N/A NOVA-PYX-1890 6 STIS/CCD ACCUM 0.2X0.2 G430M 4706 none none none 1 1 N/A NOVA-PYX-1890 6 STIS/CCD ACCUM 0.2X0.2 G430M 4706 none none none 2 1 N/A NOVA-PYX-1890 7 STIS/CCD ACCUM 0.2X0.2 G750M 6581 none none none 1 1 N/A NOVA-PYX-1890 7 STIS/CCD ACCUM 0.2X0.2 G750M 6581 none none none 2 1 N/A 12200( 10) - 26-Aug-2011 13:06:32 - [ 9] Summary Form for Proposal 12200 Item Used in this proposal ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Apertures 0.2X0.05ND, 0.2X0.2, F25ND3, F28X50LP ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Configurations STIS/CCD, STIS/FUV-MAMA, STIS/NUV-MAMA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Opmodes ACCUM, ACQ, ACQ/PEAK ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Optional Parameters ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Special Requirements AFTER 99 BY 50 D TO 120 D, BETWEEN 05-MAY-2011:00:00:00 AND 10-MAY-2011:00:00:00, BETWEEN 25-JUL-2011:00:00:00 AND 05-AUG-2011:00:00:00, BETWEEN 25-SEP-2011:00:00:00 AND 08-OCT-2011:00:00:00, BETWEEN 27-JUL-2011:00:00:00 AND 05-AUG-2011:00:00:00, ON HOLD ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Spectral Elements E140M, E230H, E230M, G430L, G430M, G750M, MIRROR ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Target Names NOVA-PYX-1890 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------