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A nova (as distinct from a supernova) is produced in a close binary system where one member is a white dwarf and the other a larger, less dense star. The white dwarf 'sucks' gas from the larger star which condenses into an accretion disc around the white star's equator. When this accretion disc reaches a critical mass it interacts with material on the white star and produces a huge thermonuclear explosion. This is what we see as a nova event.

Novae are variable stars.

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What is it called when a bunch of white dwarfs explode?

There is no such thing as a "bunch of White dwarfs", let alone exploding white dwarfs. The nearest explanation would be a nova. See related question.


What causes a nova explosion?

A nova explosion comes about of a white dwarf star has a neighbouring main sequence or aging star and is taking hydrogen and helium gas from that star. Over time, the gasses around the super dense white dwarf star build up and are compressed under the extreme gravity. Eventually the white dwarf star will ignite and explode in a runaway nuclear fusion reaction. Its different from a Super nova explosion.


When does your sun explode?

Our sun is not expected to explode. Instead, it will eventually expand into a red giant and then shed its outer layers to form a planetary nebula before collapsing into a white dwarf. This process is estimated to occur in about 5 billion years.


What term is applied to stars that explode?

Stars that explode are referred to as supernovae. This explosive event occurs when a massive star reaches the end of its life cycle and undergoes a rapid and intense process of collapse and explosion. Supernovae release an incredible amount of energy and can briefly outshine an entire galaxy.


What happens when stars get old?

As stars age, they run out of fuel for nuclear fusion in their cores. This causes them to swell up into red giants, shedding their outer layers into space. Eventually, the core collapses and either becomes a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole, depending on the star's mass.

Related Questions

Do stars explode?

Some stars do. They can be nova or supernova stars, depending on the scale of the explosion.


What causes poppies to explode?

That's how they spread their seed.


When a nova destroys a star does it leave behind a white dwarf?

A nova is a cataclysmic nuclear explosion caused by the accretion of hydrogen onto the surface of a white dwarf star. Nova are not to be confused with Type Ia supernovae which do explode [See Link]


What causes wall light to explode?

the wire that heats blows


what causes a star to explode as a supernova?

Either somebody shoots at the star. Or kills the star turning it into a supernova.


What is true low pressure with a tornado causes building to explode?

No, low pressure in a tornado does not cause buildings to explode. That is a common myth.


Why do carrots explode in the microwave?

The same with beans, they start to expand in too much heat and eventually explode.


What causes bad sectors on a hard disk?

any eye and butt will explode


What causes oxygen to explode?

A contact with hydrogen or organic compounds at a high temperature.


What cause the flint in light to explode like a firework?

It doesn't explode it sparks rigid metal(notched metal) causes flint to spark when hit


What is the space in space called after a star explode?

well it depends on the star. not all stars explode. small to medium sized stars just go into a planetary nebula after they swell up to a red giant then the bigger stars do explode, they have a super nova after the swell up into a super giant. but dont worry i star will not explode... its a really small star. --- nichole brooks :)


What causes oxygen machines to explode?

A contact with hydrogen or organic compounds at a high temperature.