Aims. Nova Cyg 2006 has been intensively observed throughout its full outburst. We investigate the energetics and evolution of the central source and of the expanding ejecta, their chemical abundances and ionization structure, and the formation of dust. Methods. We recorded low, medium, and/or high-resolution spectra (calibrated into accurate absolute fluxes) on 39 nights, along with 2353 photometric UBVR c I c measures on 313 nights, and complemented them with IR data from the literature. Results. The nova displayed initially the normal photometric and spectroscopic evolution of a fast nova of the FeII-type. Premaximum, principal, diffuse-enhanced, and Orion absorption systems developed in a normal way. After the initial outburst, the nova progressively slowed its fading pace until the decline reversed and a second maximum was reached (eight months later), accompanied by large spectroscopic changes. Following the rapid decline from second maximum, the nova finally entered the nebular phase and formed optically thin dust. We performed a photo-ionization analysis of the emission-line spectrum during the nebular phase, which showed a strong enrichment of the ejecta in nitrogen and oxygen, and none in neon, in agreement with theoretical predictions for the estimated 1.0 M white dwarf in Nova Cyg 2006. The similarities with the poorly investigated V1493 Nova Aql 1999a are discussed.

Aims. We present new results from optical photometric and spectroscopic observations of the eruptive pre-main sequence star V2493 Cyg (HBC 722). The object has continued to undergo significant brightness variations over the past few months and is an ideal target for follow-up observations. Methods. We carried out CCD BVRI photometric observations in the field of V2493 Cyg ("Gulf of Mexico") from August 1994 to April 2012, i.e. at the pre-outburst states and during the phases of the outburst. We acquired high, medium, and low resolution spectroscopy of V2493 Cyg during the outburst. To study the pre-outburst variability of the target and construct its historical light curve, we searched for archival observations in photographic plate collections. Both CCD and photographic observations were analyzed using 15 comparison stars in the field of V2493 Cyg. Results. The pre-outburst photographic and CCD photometric observations of V2493 Cyg show low-amplitude light variations typical of T Tauri stars. The recent photometric data show a slow light decrease from October 2010 to June 2011 followed by an increase in brightness that continued until early 2012. The spectral observations of V2493 Cyg are typical of FU Orionis stars absorption spectra with strong P Cyg profiles of Hα and Na I D lines. On the basis of photometric monitoring performed over the past two years, the spectral properties at the maximal light, as well as the shape of long-term light curves, we confirm that the observed outburst of V2493 Cyg is of FU Orionis type.

Context. Nova Eridani (2009) caught the eye of the nova community due to its fast decline from maximum, which was initially missed, and its subsequent development in the radio and X-ray wavelengths. This system also exhibits properties similar to those of the much smaller class of recurrent novae; themselves potential progenitors of type Ia supernovae. Aims. We aim to determine the nature and physical parameters of the KT Eri progenitor system. Methods. We searched the Harvard College Observatory archive plates for the progenitor of KT Eri to determine the nature of the system, particularly the evolutionary stage of the secondary. We used the data obtained to search for any periodic signal and the derived luminosity to estimate a recurrence timescale. Furthermore, by comparing the colours of the quiescent system on a colour−magnitude diagram we may infer the nature of the secondary star. Results. We identified the progenitor system of KT Eri and measured a quiescent magnitude of B = 14.7 ± 0.4. No previous outburst was found. However, we suggest that if the nova is recurrent it should be on a timescale of centuries. We find a periodicity at quiescence of 737 days which may arise from reflection effects and/or eclipses in the central binary. The periodicity and the quiescence magnitude of the system suggest that the secondary star is evolved and likely in, or ascending, the Red Giant Branch. A second period is evident at 376 days which has a sinusoidal like light curve. Furthermore, the outburst amplitude of ∼9 mag is inconsistent with those expected for fast classical novae (∼17 mag) which may lend further support for an evolved secondary. Conclusions. We investigated the probable recurrent nova KT Eri for which we suggest an inter-outburst period of order centuries and an evolved secondary. This may suggest that there is a whole range of possible inter-outburst periods in between the "typical" classical and recurrent novae nomenclature. Archival searches are an excellent tool in order to investigate the nature of astrophysical objects, in order to determine the nature and physical parameters.

To broaden the search and study stars in the early evolutionary phase, we investigated a sample of 17 pre-main sequence objects previously detected as either Hα emission-line pre-main sequence stars or T Tauri variables located in the field of the North America/Pelican Nebula complex. Johnson-Cousins B, V, R c , I c magnitudes and mean color indices for the program stars are determined from more than 12 400 measurements from archive photographic plates and from CCD data collected at 7 observatories covering the period of almost 60 years from 1954 up to 2013. We complemented previously rare insights on the photometry of the program stars and presented their photometric history, which for almost all program stars is the first long term photometric monitoring on a timescale of 6 decades. Eight program stars are found to be classical T Tauri stars of variability type II, while 6 program stars are weak-line T Tauri stars of variability type I. For the first time, periodicity is found for three stars: V1716 Cyg indicates a 4.15 day period, V2051 Cyg indicates a 384 day period, and V521 Cyg a period of 503 days.