Search

We discuss the role of novae as producers of [sup 7]Li and CNO isotopes in the Milky Way. A detailed model for the chemical evolution of the Milky Way including novae, Type Ia supernovae, Type II supernovae as well as single low- and intermediate-mass stars is adopted and the results are compared with the available observational constraints. It is shown that novae are among the most promising candidates in order to explain the steep rise off the Li plateau in the logε ([sup 7]Li) -[Fe/H] diagram observed for stars in the solar vicinity. We also find that novae are likely to be the main producers of [sup 15]N, whereas they should only partly contribute to [sup 13]C and [sup 17]O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]