The Rate and Spatial Distribution of Novae in M31 as Determined by a 20 Year Survey

Abstract A long-term (1995–2016) survey for novae in the nearby Andromeda galaxy (M31) was conducted as part of Research-Based Science Education initiative. During course 180 nights observation were completed at Kitt Peak, Arizona. total 262 either discovered or confirmed, 40 which have not been previously reported. Of these, 203 form a spatially complete sample detected by KPNO/WIYN 0.9 m telescope within 20 ′ × field centered on nucleus M31. An additional 50 are KPNO 4 larger $36^{\prime} 36^{\prime} 36 field. Consistent with previous studies, it is found that spatial distribution both surveys follows bulge light M31 somewhat more closely than overall background galaxy. After correcting limiting magnitude and temporal coverage surveys, final nova rate to be $R={40}_{-4}^{+5}$?> R = 40 − 4 + 5 yr −1 , considerably lower recent estimates. When normalized K -band luminosity M31, this value yields luminosity-specific rate, ν = 3.3 ± 0.4 ${}^{-1}\,{[{10}^{10}\,{L}_{\odot ,K}]}^{-1}$?> 1 [ 10 L ⊙ , K stretchy="false">] . By scaling using relative infrared luminosities our Galaxy, ${R}_{{\rm{G}}}={28}_{-4}^{+5}$?> G 28 Milky Way.