Astronomers have spotted the X-ray flash that precedes a nova. The brief flare is the first sign of a white dwarf erupting into a nuclear-fusion fireball. The post When a White Dwarf Turned into a Thermonuclear Fireball appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
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Noctilucent Cloud Show, a Mercurial Nova, and More
Summer only lasts so long. Like everything, it’s transient. That will be our theme as we explore wispy noctilucent clouds, a nova that can’t sit still, and a supernova in NGC 5427 in Virgo. The post Noctilucent Cloud Show, a Mercurial Nova, and More appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreBright Nova in Hercules on a Roller Coaster Ride
A new bright nova discovered in Hercules at 8th magnitude briefly rose to naked-eye visibility. It’s currently easily visible in a pair of binoculars. The post Bright Nova in Hercules on a Roller Coaster Ride appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreNova in Cassiopeia Brightens Suddenly
A star in the constellation Cassiopeia that flared into view during mid-March has erupted to naked-eye visibility. Catch it while you can! The post Nova in Cassiopeia Brightens Suddenly appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreA Bouquet of Novae Brightens April Nights
With the recent discovery of Nova Scorpii 2021 earlier this week, three bright stellar explosions are now visible in small telescopes from dusk till dawn. The post A Bouquet of Novae Brightens April Nights appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreBright Nova Erupts in Cassiopeia
A new nova in Cassiopeia, discovered on March 18th, is bright enough to see in a small telescope. The post Bright Nova Erupts in Cassiopeia appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
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