Modelling the recurrent nova U Scorpii in quiescence

Abstract

VLT and SALT spectroscopy of U Sco were obtained $\sim$18 and $\sim$30 months after the 2010 outburst. From these spectra the accretion disc is shown to take at least 18 months to become fully reformed. The spectral class of the companion is constrained to be F8$^{+5}_{-6}$\,IV-V at the 95% confidence level when the irradiated face of the companion is visible.