Scientists at Georgia State's CHARA Array captured images of Nova V1674 Herculis—one of the fastest stellar explosions on record. Images of Nova V1674 Herculis obtained 2.2 days (left) and 3.2 days (middle) after the explosion. The images reveal the formation of two distinct, perpendicular outflows of gas, as highlighted by the green arrows. The panel on the right shows an artistic impression of the explosion. Credit: CHARA Array

Pair of exploding stars baffle astronomers

The recent deaths of two white dwarf stars are challenging our understanding of both novae and the powerful physics underlying star death. According to astronomer John Monnier, the initial analysis of these often dramatic novae offers an “extraordinary leap forward” for the field. “The fact that we can now watch stars explode and immediately see…

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