Ultra-hot nova observed erupting: Surprising chemical signature

Unprecedented Nova Eruption Reveals Extreme Heat and Mysterious Silicon Signature

Astronomers have observed an extremely bright nova explosion from the recurrent nova LMC68, revealing an unprecedented dominance of ionized silicon and record-high temperatures. The recent observations challenge existing models of nova composition and shed new light on explosive stellar processes in low-metallicity environments. Although rare, some white dwarf nova explosions—known as recurrent novae—erupt multiple times. Astronomers first disco…

Ultra-hot nova observed erupting: Surprising chemical signature

Astronomers have for the first time observed a recurring nova outside of the Milky Way in near-infrared light. The data revealed highly unusual chemical emissions as well as one of the hottest temperatures ever reported for a nova, both indicative of an extremely violent eruption.

Gemini South Observes Ultra-Hot Nova Erupting With Surprising Chemical Signature - Astronomers uncover extremely hot and violent eruption from first ever near-infrared analysis of a recurrent nova outside of the Milky Way Galaxy

Using the Gemini South telescope, one half of the International Gemini Observatory, partly funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and operated by NSF NOIRLab, and the Magellan Baade Telescope, astronomers have for the first time observed a recurring nova outside of the Milky Way in near-infrared light. The data revealed highly unusual chemical emissions as well as one of the hottest temperatures ever reported for a nova, both indicative o