An ancient planetary nebula surrounding the old nova GK Persei

As part of a continuing programme of observations of the old nova GK Persei, the authors examined Infrared Astronomical Satellite images in the region of the nova, and discovered extended emission in the far infrared. These observations are interpreted in terms of an ancient planetary nebula ejected from the central binary system. If this interpretation is correct, then several unique phenomena associated with GK Per may be explained. In addition, GK Per would then provide valuable clues to the evolutionary status of classical novae, and the later stages of planetary nebula formation. (author)