# # Program information file # PROGRAM_ID 2023A015 PROGRAM_TITLE ToO Nova Observations with SpeX PROGRAM_INV1 Chick Woodward PROGRAM_INV2 PROGRAM_INV3 PROGRAM_INV4 PROGRAM_INV5 PROGRAM_SCICAT stellar PROGRAM_ABSTRACT_BEG Novae are time variable phenomena the permit the study of the evolution of molecules, dust composition and metal abundances in explosive environments associated with thermonuclear runways on white dwarfs. Synoptic observations over several 100 days are necessary to capture a complete understanding a given event, which taken in aggregate advance the fundamental physics and chemistry of these events that effect abundance enrichment of the interstellar medium. We propose to obtain synoptic SpeX spectra of a [1] Target of Opportunity [ToO] novae outburst to study the dynamics of the ejecta, to determine the temporal evolution of coronal lines and recombination lines [measuring their strength and velocity profiles], and to determine abundances. Execution of a ToO will also occur if there is a likelihood of CO molecular formation early [less than 20 days] in the ejecta. Triggering of the ToO will occur when the nova becomes brighter than V=9th mag, as reported by the AAVSO or other alert servers. Spex data data will provide critical spectral coverage and synoptic data to complement extant nova programs conducted with NASA spacecraft and other facilities. PROGRAM_ABSTRACT_END