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Description
We report the outbursting source PTF 14jg, which, prior to the onset of its late 2013 eruption, was a faint, unstudied, and virtually uncataloged star. The salient features of the PTF 14jg outburst are (i) projected location near the W4 HII region and radial velocity consistent with physical association; (ii) a light curve that underwent an ~6-7mag optical (R-band) through mid-infrared (L-band) brightening on a timescale of a few months, peaked and then faded by ~3mag, but plateaued still >3.5mag above quiescence by ~8 months post-peak, lasting to at least 4yr after eruption; (iii) strong outflow signatures with velocities reaching -530km/s; (iv) a low-gravity and broad (~100-150km/s FWHM) optical absorption-line spectrum that systematically changes its spectral type with wavelength; (v) lithium; and (vi) ultraviolet and infrared excess. We tentatively identify the outburst as exhibiting characteristics of a young star FU Ori event. However, the burst would be unusually hot, with an absorption spectrum exhibiting high-excitation (~11000-15000K) lines in the optical and no evidence of CO in the near-infrared, in addition to exhibiting an unusual light curve. We thus also consider alternative scenarios-including various forms of novae, nuclear-burning instabilities, massive star events, and mergers-finding them all inferior to the atypically hot FU Ori star classification. The source eventually may be interpreted as a new category of young star outburst with a larger amplitude and shorter rise time than most FU Ori-like events.
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