[vsnet-chat 4115] Re: QX Pup

[aah@nofs.navy.mil]

Back in January, Moran Nachshony wrote regarding
a possible new variable (nova?) in M46.  There was considerable
discussion about this object, but the main consensus was
that his object was part of the nebula OH 231.8+4.2
that contains the Mira variable QX Pup.  The available
literature on the variable and the nebula indicated that
the Mira was *not* visible in the optical region of the
spectrum, but was visible at K-band (2.2 microns).
  There was some further discussion as to whether this
was still true, or whether the Mira had emerged from
behind its cocoon of dust.
  I have taken a BVRI series of this nebula under
reasonable seeing conditions (at least for the 1.0-m),
and Al Kelly has processed these images into a tricolor
composite.  A blowup centered on OH 231.8+4.2 is given at
http://ftp.nofs.navy.mil/pub/outgoing/aah/pretty/qxpup.jpg
As you can see, the nebula is extremely red.  The Mira
is located at the waist of the nebula, and so remains
hidden.  The object seen by Nachshony is the SW part of
the nebula, probably better illuminated by the hidden
Mira than other parts of the nebula.
Arne

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