Infrared Studies of Transient Events: Classical Novae and Variable Stars

Interstellar grains are thought to form, among other places, in circumstellar flows from novae and infrared variable stars. Such objects will be observed in the infrared to learn about the nucleation and growth of grains in these environments, assess the heavy element contributions to the interstellar medium from novae and infrared variable stars, and gain information on stages of stellar evolution preceding the mass loss. A network of three remotely controlled infrared telescopes in three different states will make it possible to begin observations promptly after a nova eruption is detected to determine the composition of the ejecta and to follow the development of dust in the ejecta. The infrared variables will be monitored to learn their characteristics and to study the changes in the inner dust shell throughout the pulsational cycle.