NASA Missions Study Shock Waves in Nova Explosion

The video explains the phenomenon of novae, focusing on the 2018 eruption of the star V906 Carinae. It discusses observations from NASA's Fermi mission and other satellites, revealing that novae can emit gamma rays. The process involves a white dwarf pulling material from a companion star, leading to a thermonuclear explosion. Research led by Michigan State University used data from multiple sources to study the event, showing that shock waves from the explosion produce gamma ray and optical flares. These findings help understand more powerful cosmic events.

What is a nova?

• A black hole formation

• A supernova explosion

• A sudden brightening of a star

• A type of galaxy

Which star erupted as a nova in 2018?

• Betelgeuse

• Sirius

• V906 Carinae

• Proxima Centauri

What triggers the formation of a nova?

• A white dwarf pulling material from a companion star

• A star colliding with a planet

• A supernova explosion

• A black hole absorbing a star

Which university led the study of V906 Carinae?

• University of Cambridge

• Harvard University

• Stanford University

• Michigan State University

What do shock waves in a nova explosion produce?

• New stars

• Gamma ray and optical flares

• Black holes

• Dark matter