Nova

A nova (plural novae) is a cataclysmic nuclear explosion in a white dwarf star. It is caused by the accretion of hydrogen on to the surface of the star, which ignites and starts nuclear fusion in a runaway manner. Novae are not to be confused with supernovae or luminous red novae.

Read more about Nova:  Development, Occurrence Rate, and Astrophysical Significance, Etymology, Novae As Distance Indicators, Extragalactic Novae

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