SIMBAD references

D. P. K. Banerjee and N. M. Ashok, Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, report J-band imaging and near- infrared spectroscopy at 1.08-2.35 microns, with the Mt. Abu 1.2-m telescope (+ PRL Near Infrared Imaging Spectrometer + HgCdTe NICMOS3 detector array) of V838 Mon. J-band images taken on Dec. 14 clearly detect a faint shell around V838 Mon (seen earlier only in the optical). The shell (diameter approximately 60") is fairly spherical but more extended in the east-west direction. The brightest J-band feature is an enhanced bar structure seen in the north-west direction. JHK spectroscopy (resolution about 1000) confirms earlier reports (IAUC 8016) that the near-infrared spectrum of V838 Mon has evolved significantly. The previously reported absorption bands at 1.23, 1.25, 1.65, and 1.69 microns and the first-overtone CO bands have persisted and are prominently seen during three recent observations (Nov. 20, Dec. 7, 13). The H-band absorption features are especially strong, while the CO band structure is rather similar to its appearance during the second outburst of V838 Mon on 2002 Feb. 2 (Banerjee and Ashok 2002, A.Ap. 395, 161).