G. C. Anupama and U. S. Kamath
Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Koramangala, Bangalore 560034, India

Abstract. We review the observational characteristics of classical and recurrent novae in the optical region, in the context of observational programmes carried out using telescopes at the Vainu Bappu Observatory (VBO) and the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. The article discusses the different classes of novae, based on either their outburst light curve properties, or their spectral development. Also provided is a brief discussion on the quiescence properties of novae.

Keywords: classical novae -- recurrent novae -- cataclysmic variables -- optical spectroscopy -- optical photometry

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