What causes the nova phenomenon in a white dwarf binary system?
Answer
Accumulation of hydrogen on the surface leading to a thermonuclear explosion
A nova occurs when a white dwarf in a binary system steadily accumulates hydrogen-rich material from its companion star. As this material builds up on the surface of the white dwarf, it becomes increasingly compressed and heated. Eventually, this leads to a runaway thermonuclear explosion on the surface of the white dwarf, resulting in a sudden and dramatic increase in the system's luminosity.
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