Abstract for Proposal 086010
Dissecting Super Soft Novae Outbursts in vivo
High-resolution X-ray spectra of novae in the Super Soft Source
(SSS) phase are extremely complex since the ejecta are clumpy
and asymmetric. Our group has successfully pursued a variety of
model-independent approaches leading to important results, guided by the
data rather than models. We found a large range of obscuration effects
shaping SSS spectra from clear view (SSa) to highly obscured (SSe, e.g.,
high-inclination systems). In a systematic search in the current sample
we found short-period oscillations in 24% of systems. Compared to the
large diversity of observed phenomena, the current sample of 19 novae is
too limited for more conclusive trend analyses. The extreme brightness in
X-rays of novae during the SSS phase enables expansion of the available
sample of SSS at low cost.
Details on Observing Strategy and Trigger Criteria
Triggered if a SSS spectrum with count rate >0.5 cps was found with
Swift. Depending on speed class of nova between 1 week and 1 months
response time for the first observation. The second observation some
3-4 weeks later, again depending on the speed class of the nova.