BVI photometry and the spectroscopy of Nova Scuti 2005 N.2

Our CCD photometry of Nova Scuti 2005 N.2 (= V477 Sct) shows it to be a very fast nova, which is characterized by t(2) = 3 and t(3) = 6 days, affected by a EB-V >= 1.3 mag reddening, and which peaked at V similar to 9.8 mag on similar to Oct. 12.0 UT. The nova was probably entering a dust condensation episode or brightness oscillations during the transition phase when it became unobservable for the seasonal conjunction with the Sun. Absolute spectrophotometry shows it to belong to the He/N class. The emission line width at half intensity is 2600 km s(-1). At least five ripples are identified in the high resolution emission lines profiles at radial velocities ranging from -980 to +700 km s(-1). The nova erupted at a large distance from the Sun and at an appreciable height above the Galactic plane, suggesting an association with the Galactic bulge ( unusual for a He/N nova). The progenitor was too faint to be recorded on DSS1/2 survey plates, when setting the outburst amplitude to Delta V >= 11 mag.