Nova illustration

Stellar Science

Astronomers Watched a White Dwarf Turn into a Thermonuclear Fireball

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.

blue noctilucent clouds hover over trees and a pink sunset

Night Sky Sights

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.

Red nova

Variable Stars

Bright 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.

V1405 Cas scene

Celestial News & Events

Nova 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!

Three novae

Celestial Objects to Observe

A 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.

Deep image of V1405 Cas nova

Stellar Science

Bright Nova Erupts in Cassiopeia

A new nova in Cassiopeia, discovered on March 18th, is bright enough to see in a small telescope.

Explore the Night with Bob King

Dwarf Nova V392 Persei Goes Big — It's Now Binocular Bright

In a rare move, a sleepy cataclysmic variable blows its top and suddenly becomes a nova.

Stellar Science

Shockwaves Light up Stellar Explosions

Thermonuclear power sets off a type of stellar explosion known as a classical nova. Now, new research explains the mechanisms that cause these blasts to light up.

Ancient Nova Scorpii 1437

Stellar Science

Historical Observations Reveal Ancient Nova

Astronomers and historians pinpoint the source of a 15th-century classical nova. It’s currently regathering strength.

Celestial News & Events

Sky Surprises: New Comet ASASSN1, Nova in Scutum, and Supernova in Pisces!

Between the discovery of the new comet ASASSN1 and two stellar explosions, there's a lot happening in the sky this week. Take your telescope out and see what all the excitement's about.

Celestial News & Events

8th-magnitude Nova in Sagittarius

A nova in Sagittarius, discovered a few nights ago by a Japanese amateur, has become bright enough to see in binoculars.

Two For T

Variable Stars

Is T CrB About to Blow its Top?

The recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis last made a splash just after World War II. Does its current restive state hint at an imminent outburst?

Pop goes the nova

Explore the Night with Bob King

"Blink" a Nova Tonight

Like people doing good imitations, novae often mimic planetary nebulae. Read on to learn how to watch the evolution of these tricksters using a common nebula filter.

gamma-ray-producing nova

Stellar Science

Gamma-ray Novae Explained?

Astronomers might have an explanation for why some classical novae erupt in gamma rays.

classical nova system

Stellar Science

Novae Surprise with Gamma Rays

Astronomers have detected gamma-ray emission from three classical novae, an unexpected discovery that has left them perplexed.