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Nova

A nova is an explosion from the surface of a white-dwarf star in a binary system. A nova occurs when the white dwarf, which is the dense core of a once-normal star, “steals” gas from its nearby companion star. When enough gas builts up on the surface of the white dwarf it triggers a thermonuclear explosion. For a brief time, the system can shine up to a million times brighter than normal. As long as it continues to take gas from its companion star, the white dwarf can produce nova outbursts at regular intervals.

Radio Programs

Making Lithium Making an important element August 30, 2018

Future Blast A future blast from a galactic neighbor October 27, 2017

Future Fireworks Getting ready for some fireworks June 29, 2017

Red Nova An exploding star turns red June 28, 2017

Z Camelopardalis From a flashlight to a searchlight October 28, 2016

T Pyxidis A star that keeps on exploding April 14, 2016

Luminous Red Novae One star born from two September 2, 2015

Future Outbursts Setting up future outbursts July 23, 2015

Featured Images

Ultraviolet views of Z Camelopardalis, an erupting binary system

Popping Off October 22, 2016

Red Beacon September 3, 2015
Superman's back story may have been inspired by an exploding star

Exploding Stars December 14, 2013