Transient class · Light (optical)
Classical Nova
A thermonuclear runaway on the surface of a white dwarf that is accreting matter from a companion star. Unlike a supernova, the white dwarf survives, and the outburst can recur.
Observed across & involves
Knowledge connections
- Associated withVisible light
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.