Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

nova

noun

/ˈnoʊ.və/

Definition

A sudden brightening of a star due to an explosion on its surface.

Examples

The nova in the constellation Cygnus was visible to the naked eye for several weeks.
Astronomers observed a nova that exploded in a nearby galaxy, providing valuable data on stellar evolution.

Meaning

In astronomy, a nova is a transient astronomical event that causes the appearance of a new bright star in the sky. It occurs when a white dwarf star in a binary system accumulates hydrogen from its companion star, leading to a nuclear fusion explosion that significantly increases its brightness.