nova
n. countablen. a star that suddenly becomes much brighter for a short time before slowly fading back to normal. This happens because of a nuclear explosion on the star's surface.
n. a transient astronomical event in which a star suddenly increases in brightness by several magnitudes before returning to its original state. Occurs in binary systems where a white dwarf accretes matter from a companion star, triggering a thermonuclear explosion.
The astronomer spent the night observing a new nova.
Amateur stargazers were the first to report the nova appearing in the northern sky last Tuesday.
Unlike a supernova, which marks the final destruction of a star, a nova is a recurring surface phenomenon that leaves the underlying white dwarf intact for future cycles.
From Latin nova (“new”).
Clipping of Nova Scotia.
Abbreviation of Northern Virginia.
The plural form is either 'novas' or 'novae', with the latter being more common in scientific literature.
The star became a supernova for a week.The star became a nova for a week.Learners often confuse 'nova' with 'supernova'; a nova is a temporary brightening, while a supernova is a terminal explosion that destroys the star.