Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
nova
noun
/ˈnoʊ.və/
Definition
A nova is a star that suddenly increases in brightness and then gradually returns to its original state over a period of time.
Examples
- After the nova erupted, it became one of the brightest stars in the night sky.
- Astronomers studied the light curve of the nova to understand its behavior.
Meaning
In astronomy, a nova is a cataclysmic variable star that undergoes a dramatic increase in luminosity, often making it visible to the naked eye.
Synonyms
- exploding star
- stellar explosion
