Beyond Spherical Cows: Writing the Next Chapter on Novae

Columbia University, New York NY

Investigators

Abstract

This award will support an observational study of novae, which are eruptive phenomena on stars that are the recipients of mass transfer in close binary systems. The main goal will be to obtain radio imaging observations soon after outburst. As part of this effort, the team will focus on understanding how thermonuclear runaway proceeds, the ejection mechanism for the nova envelope, and the processes that shape the nova remnants. The project will include considerable involvement of the amateur astronomical community in the identification of promising novae for detailed study.