A team using the CHARA Array at Georgia State University has produced high-resolution images of the early stages of two nova explosions detected in 2021. These images, created through near-infrared interferometry, reveal the rapidly evolving conditions right after the blasts. The findings indicate that the novae were not simple single events.
In a breakthrough for astrophysics, researchers at the Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA Array), operated by Georgia State University, have imaged the initial phases of two nova explosions. These stellar events, first spotted in 2021, involve white dwarfs that undergo thermonuclear blasts on their surfaces, leading to dramatic brightenings visible from Earth.
The CHARA Array achieved this by employing near-infrared interferometry, a technique that merges light collected from multiple telescopes to form sharp, detailed pictures. This method allowed the team to observe the fast-changing environment in the immediate aftermath of the explosions, providing unprecedented clarity on how these phenomena unfold.
Novae differ from supernovae in that the white dwarf survives the outburst, potentially repeating the cycle. The high-resolution images challenge the idea of novae as isolated, impulsive detonations, suggesting more complex dynamics at play. While the exact implications for stellar evolution remain under study, this work enhances our understanding of these recurring cosmic fireworks.
The observations build on ongoing efforts in astronomy to probe distant stellar activities with advanced interferometric tools. Published details highlight the CHARA Array's role in bridging observational gaps in nova research.