Nova

10.12.2024

Nova

Why in the news?   

Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have spotted far ultraviolet (FUV) emissions from nova for the first time in the neighbouring Andromeda galaxy.

About Nova:               

• It is a special class of transient astronomical event that causes the sudden appearance of a bright, apparently new star that slowly fades over weeks or months, during their outburst.
• Nova occurs in binary star systems where a dense, Earth-sized white dwarf star orbits closely with a Sun-like companion.
• The white dwarf's strong gravitational pull draws matter from its companion, creating an intense accumulation of material on its surface.
• This process triggers powerful thermonuclear reactions, producing a sudden bright burst visible as a nova.
• A nova reaches maximum luminosity within hours after its outburst and may shine intensely for several days

Significance of the research:

• Researchers discovered ultraviolet emission from 42 novae, a special class of stellar explosions, and even caught four of them in the act of outburst itself.
• This could help scientists study these interacting binary star systems in our nearest neighbor galaxy at different phases of their life, some piling up matter from their companion, while others spewing it into space.

About Andromeda galaxy:

• The Andromeda Galaxy, also called Messier 31 or M31, is the nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way.
• It is 5 million light years away from Earth and is the other major member of the Local Group, our local collection of galaxies.
• Like the Milky Way, it is a barred spiral galaxy, so-called for the bar-like structure formed by the stars in its center

                                                                Source: The Hindu

Consider the following statements regarding Nova Explosion:

1. It is a special class of transient astronomical event that causes the sudden appearance of bright stars.

2. It occurs in binary star systems where a dense, white dwarf star orbits closely with a Sun-like companion.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only

B.2 only

C.Both 1 and 2

D.Neither 1 nor 2

Answer C