Podcast
Questions and Answers
What type of star is typically involved in a nova outburst?
What type of star is typically involved in a nova outburst?
- A cooled red giant
- A main-sequence star
- A large red giant (correct)
- A blue supergiant
What is the approximate frequency of nova outbursts from T Coronae Borealis?
What is the approximate frequency of nova outbursts from T Coronae Borealis?
- Once in a century
- Once every decade
- Once every 80 years (correct)
- Every few months
Which part of the binary star system accumulates material leading to a nova explosion?
Which part of the binary star system accumulates material leading to a nova explosion?
- The white dwarf's surface (correct)
- The atmosphere of the red giant
- The interstellar medium
- The red giant's core
How does the brightness of a nova typically compare to stars in the night sky?
How does the brightness of a nova typically compare to stars in the night sky?
What is the expected visibility of the upcoming T Coronae Borealis nova outburst?
What is the expected visibility of the upcoming T Coronae Borealis nova outburst?
What is the predicted timeframe for the next nova explosion of T Coronae Borealis?
What is the predicted timeframe for the next nova explosion of T Coronae Borealis?
Which of the following describes the condition of the white dwarf after a nova event?
Which of the following describes the condition of the white dwarf after a nova event?
What typically triggers the nova explosion in a binary star system?
What typically triggers the nova explosion in a binary star system?
Flashcards
What is a nova?
What is a nova?
A nova is a sudden and dramatic increase in brightness of a star, caused by a thermonuclear explosion on the surface of a white dwarf.
What is a binary star system?
What is a binary star system?
A binary star system consists of two stars orbiting each other. In the case of a nova, one star is a 'dead' white dwarf, and the other is a dying red giant.
What is T Coronae Borealis (T CrB)?
What is T Coronae Borealis (T CrB)?
T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) is a binary star system located 3,000 light-years away from Earth, famous for its recurring nova outbursts.
How does a nova occur in a binary star system?
How does a nova occur in a binary star system?
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When can we expect T CrB's nova outburst?
When can we expect T CrB's nova outburst?
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What is a white dwarf?
What is a white dwarf?
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What is a red giant?
What is a red giant?
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What will T CrB's nova outburst look like?
What will T CrB's nova outburst look like?
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Study Notes
Nova Outburst in 2024
- A nova is a sudden, dramatic increase in brightness in a binary star system.
- It occurs in systems with a "dying" red giant star and a "dead" white dwarf star.
- Material from the red giant accumulates on the white dwarf.
- Eventually, the accumulated material explodes, causing the nova.
- Usually visible only with telescopes.
- T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) is a notable example, known for periodic nova outbursts.
- T CrB is a binary star system, 3,000 light-years away.
- T CrB novae occur roughly every 80 years, with the last one in 1946.
- The red giant sheds material onto the white dwarf as it heats.
- This causes the white dwarf's atmosphere to heat and explode.
- The white dwarf survives the nova event.
- The next nova eruption for T CrB is predicted to happen sometime before September 2024.
- The exact timing is uncertain, but could occur in the next few months.
- The nova will be visible to the naked eye for several days.
- It will be visible with binoculars for just over a week.
Observing the Nova
- The upcoming nova outburst is different from the solar eclipse: it's visible with no equipment required, anywhere on Earth.
- The event will appear as a bright star in the Northern sky.
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