The light curve of the symbiotic nova HM Sge in 1960–1988 derived from 260 photographic and 243 photoelectric observations (Arkhipova et al. 1989) in presented in Fig. 1.

The rate of nova-like brightness increase in 1975 was about 0.04 mag/day. The maximum duration was about 4 years, with brightness oscillations of up to 1 mag. After 1981 the star brightness decreased slowly (at the rate of ~ 0.08 mag/yr) with small oscillations of 0.2 mag in the B band.

Fourteen years before the outburst of HM Sge a preoutburst phase with a light amplitude of 1 mag and a duration of about two years was observed, but its reality is rather doubtful. Similar features can also be seen in the light curves of the symbiotic novae V1016 Cyg and V1329 Cyg, 15 and 12 years before their outbursts, respectively.

The photometric and spectroscopic evolutions, displayed by AS 296 since the June 1988 outburst ([1]), are presented and discussed. The main features of the model outlined by [2], [3] and [4], are confirmed and further developped. An orbital period of about 3 years is inferred from Hα modulation (see [5]).

The outburst originated from a TNR event in the accreted envelope of a WD. The IUE and optical spectroscopic evolution agrees with the expected scenario for degenerate conditions in the accreted material, while the high quiescence luminosity of the WD would indicate nondegenerate conditions.

The late type giant passed unchanged the outburst. Also the region of Hα formation was not touched by the eruption.

After one year the system has not yet reached the quiescence again. The photometric evolution displayed by AS 296 up to June 15, 1989 is presented in Fig.1.

In Tab.1, the main features exhibited by symbiotic stars that have experienced a TNR event are summarized. The first 8 objects in the table are usually collectively called "symbiotic novae". They distinguish themselves for the very long outburst duration. At present, AS 296 appears to be a borderline case of such class, and a firm understanding needs to wait for the end of current active phase.

We present preliminary results from absolutely flux-calibrated optical spectroscopy, together with 5 GHz radio flux measures of 17 symbiotic stars. The data were obtained quasi-simultaneously using the Manchester Echelle Spectrograph on the Isaac Newton Telescope, La Palma between 1988 September 20 and 24, and the Broad Band Interferometer at Jodrell Bank during 1988 October. This represents the largest sample of these stars observed in this way to date. Distances are calculated using visual extinctions and are compared with other quoted values. In general, the agreement is surprisingly good. Plots of individual line luminosities vs. radio luminosity indicate that the D-type (dusty) symbiotics (both also proto-planetary nebulae) have far higher radio luminosities than S-types (stellar) for comparable recombination and forbidden line luminosities. This may however be due to underestimation of optical line luminosities for the D-types as the circumstellar extinction contribution is uncertain. The single D’-type (cool dust, yellow secondary) lies at the low luminosity end of the S-type region. ‘Very slow novae’ in our sample lie in both groups.

A high resolution spectroscopy survey of symbiotic stars is conducted in the southern hemisphere by the authors, using the Coudé Echelle Spectrograph (CES), equipped with a CCD at the ESO Coudé Auxiliary Telescope (CAT), and concurrently in the northern hemisphere by Bode, Evans, Meaburn and collaborators, using the UK facilities at La Palma. So far, more than 400 spectra of about 70 stars have been obtained, mostly during 1988 and 1989. The southern part of the work will be described below.

The discussion of symbiotic stars in the context of novae is not far-fetched. A number of symbiotics are known to have nova-like outbursts, and several novae are not easily distinguished from symbiotic stars. A noteworthy example is the most recently recognized recurrent nova, V745 Sco, first observed by Liller on July 24, 1989. It is described here, both because in late decline it represents a link between novae and symbiotic stars, and because of its current interest.