Page 3 - Paul Groot News Today

Astronomers have discovered a new type of star explosion, and despite being the smallest of the bunch, it's still packs a stellar punch.

White dwarfs can use their magnetic fields to contain thermonuclear explosions powered by hydrogen attracted from their companion star, a new study finds.

ESO, European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere

An international team of researchers, led by Durham University, observed the phenomenon in three white dwarfs - the remnants of dead stars - as they fed in each case on a companion star.

Surprised astronomers find new type of star explosion - a micronova

Astronomers have detected a previously unknown type of stellar explosion called a micronova involving thermonuclear blasts at the polar regions of a type of burned-out star called a white dwarf after it has siphoned material from a companion star.

Astronomers have detected a previously unknown type of stellar explosion called a micronova involving thermonuclear blasts at the polar regions of a type of burned-out star called a white dwarf after it has siphoned material from a companion star.

Astronomers have observed and identified a new type of thermonuclear stellar explosion called a micronova. Its a million times less powerful than a standard nova and lasts just a few hours.

By Sam Tonkin For Mailonline

Astronomers have discovered a new kind of star explosion called a micronova. Although it may be smaller than the giant supernova explosions that claim the lives of stars, this incendiary event still packs a punch.