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# Program information file
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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