Question

difference between a whote drawf and super nova

Answer 1

A nova and supernova are two different beasts. A nova is actually a binary system, usually a normal star like the Sun and a small dense white dwarf. They orbit closely, and the white dwarf can actually draw hydrogen gas off the normal star. The fierce gravity of the white dwarf compresses the material, and if enough builds up on the surface it can fuse into helium, releasing a sudden and tremendous amount of energy. We see the star brighten quickly, and fade over time.


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