Another nova in Cygnus

Thanks for clearing that up Seanie. I know what a supernova is and how it operates. I was under the impression that a "Nova" was just astonomical shorthand for supernova.

A nova is when a star, mostly variable, increases suddenly in brightness for a period of time.

This is what variable stars do. So should they not just be called variable stars? instead of nova's?

I mean lets call a spade a spade.

A supernova is an entirely different event to a variable star.

Thanks for clearing that up Seanie. I know what a supernova is and how it operates. I was under the impression that a "Nova" was just astonomical shorthand for supernova.

A nova is when a star, mostly variable, increases suddenly in brightness for a period of time.

This is what variable stars do. So should they not just be called variable stars? instead of nova's?

I mean lets call a spade a spade.

A supernova is an entirely different event to a variable star.

Novae are not caused by the same things that cause variablility in stars. They are large explosions like supernovae, they just don't destroy the star. They are much more similar to supernovae then to variabel stars.

Bart.

Hi,

Its always happens when I am at a Variable Star Meeting that a nova goes off!

Anyway, AAVSO/BAA meeting (Cambridge) going well. Many exciting developments covered. There were asking where are the other Irish variable star observers!

John

They are large explosions like supernovae, they just don't destroy the star. They are much more similar to supernovae then to variabel stars.

Thanks Bart. That clears that one up.

Hi,

Paul, they are all (including novae and supernovae) variable stars!,

John