Old Novae: Old Glories with Bright Future

Abstract

Classical novae are important astrophysical laboratories and are extremely relevant in several aspects of modern astronomy. A complete understanding of the nova phenomenon passes through the understanding not only of the phase where the nova is bright, but also understanding the properties of the binaries in which these events occur. This paper focusses on the properties of Cataclysmic Variables (CVs) which have harboured a nova explosion more than 30 years ago. The objects are analysed both in terms of CV population and in relation to their properties at maximum. Finally, we advice the reader on the proper steps in order to use old novae in the Gaia era.