On the Nova Rate in the Galaxy

摘要

The Galactic nova rate is poorly known, with estimates in the literature ranging from as few as 11 to as many as 260 yr~-1. At the lower end of the spectrum (≤50 yr~-1), the predictions are based on scalings from extragalactic nova surveys, while estimates based on extrapolations of Galactic nova observations suggest rates that are significantly higher, in the range 50100 yr~-1 or more. In an attempt to reconcile this difference, the nova rate, based on Galactic nova observations, is recomputed. If the stellar mass distribution is axisymmetric about the Galactic center, a new estimate of the Galactic nova rate of ～35 + - 11 yr~-1 is deduced.