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V463 Scuti (Nova Sct 2000): Rapidly Evolving Nova with a Prominent Premaximum Halt

We summarize photometric and spectroscopic observations of V463 Sct (Nova Sct 2000), which was originally thought to be a red variable. The spectrum taken on 2000 March 16.81 UT showed prominent emission lines with a FHWM of 990 km/s (H alpha). The light curve shows a conspicuous premaximum halt lasting at least for 24 d, and a late-phase flare-like maximum. The nova then started rapidly fading at a rate corresponding to t2 = 15 +/- 3 d. Long premaximum halts have been considered as a unique character of the "slowest" novae. The present observation, however, suggests that the long premaximum halts are not a unique character of the slowest novae, but a more general phenomenon spreading over a wider range of nova speed classes than has been previously believed. A recent interpretation of premaximum halts requires that the conditions of thermonuclear runaway was only marginally satisfied. Since such conditions are more difficult to meet in rapidly evolving novae, V463 Sct would provide an unique opportunity in testing this interpretation. The early post-outburst spectrum showed co-existence of Fe II lines and some forbidden lines, which suggests that substantial amount of material may have been ejected before the observed optical maximum. The impact of the modern global network (VSNET) on confirmatory processes of transient objects is briefly discussed.