CLASSICAL NOVAE AND THE EXTRAGALACTIC DISTANCE SCALE

Analytic expressions are obtained for the absolute magnitude of novae at maximum light, M(B), and for the time it takes novae to decline three magnitudes from maximum, t3. The relations are expressed in terms of fundamental system parameters. Using the expressions for M(B) and t3, an analytic M(B)-t3 relation is obtained. This relation is used in extragalactic distance scale determinations. The effects of additional physical parameters (such as the magnetic field) on the obtained relations are discussed. Other calibration methods that can be used for distance scale determinations are discussed and arguments are presented in favor of a method which uses the constant bolometric luminosity phase of novae.