Connecting Recurrent Novae to [some] Type Ia Supernovae

Abstract

In this review I summarize the observational attempts done so far to unveil the nature of the progenitor system/s of Type Ia Supernovae. In particular, I focus on the most recent developments that followed the alleged detection of circumstellar material around a few events, and on the link this possibly establishes with recurrent novae. In this framework, I then discuss the case of RS Oph, what we know of its circumstellar environment, and what this is telling us about its supposed connection to Type Ia supernova explosions.

8 pages, 1 figure. Invited review at "Binary Paths to Type Ia Supernovae", IAU Symposium n.281, R. Di Stefano & M. Orio Eds., Cambridge University Press