RS Ophiuchi (1985) and the Recurrent Nova Phenomenon

This international conference brought together over 50 astronomers from around the world. The meeting centred around a single object, the reccurent nova RS Ophiuchi, a star which had undergone four recorded outbursts before the latest event in 1985. Observations of previous outbursts (discussed in detail in one of the review talks) already indicated that RS Ophiuchi is a unique object of great astronomical significance. The outburst mechanism is probably similar to that of classical novae, but the interaction of the ejecta with a pre-existing shell of material give it the characteristics of a young supernova remnant. However, unlike supernova remnants, the evolution occurs 'before our very eyes'. Following the latest outburst, a frenzy of activity ensued, resulting in the acquisition of detailed observations from the radio (where rapidly expanding jets were discovered) to the X-ray (where RS Ophiuchi turned out to be one of the brightest soft X-ray sources yet observed).

The Proceedings report the many exciting and unexpected observational results right across the electromagnetic spectrum in both RS Ophiuchi and related objects. Theoretical work on the cause of the outburst, and remnant evolution is also given prominence. The result is a much fuller understanding of RS Ophiuchi and its important standing in several branches of astrophysical research.
 
This international conference brought together over 50 astronomers from around the world. The meeting centred around a single object, the reccurent nova RS Ophiuchi, a star which had undergone four recorded outbursts before the latest event in 1985. Observations of previous outbursts (discussed in detail in one of the review talks) already indicated that RS Ophiuchi is a unique object of great astronomical significance. The outburst mechanism is probably similar to that of classical novae, but the interaction of the ejecta with a pre-existing shell of material give it the characteristics of a young supernova remnant. However, unlike supernova remnants, the evolution occurs 'before our very eyes'. Following the latest outburst, a frenzy of activity ensued, resulting in the acquisition of detailed observations from the radio (where rapidly expanding jets were discovered) to the X-ray (where RS Ophiuchi turned out to be one of the brightest soft X-ray sources yet observed).

The Proceedings report the many exciting and unexpected observational results right across the electromagnetic spectrum in both RS Ophiuchi and related objects. Theoretical work on the cause of the outburst, and remnant evolution is also given prominence. The result is a much fuller understanding of RS Ophiuchi and its important standing in several branches of astrophysical research.