Using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, astronomers have studied one particular explosion that may provide clues to the dynamics of other, much larger stellar eruptions.
GK Persei an object that was thought to be the brightest star in 1901 but then faded away. Today, astronomers cite GK Persei and can observe an outburst produced by a thermonuclear explosion on the surface of a white dwarf star, the dense remnant of a Sun-like star. A nova can occur when if the strong gravity of a white dwarf pulls material from its orbiting companion star. If enough hydrogen gas accumulates on the surface of the white dwarf, nuclear fusion reactions can occur and intensify, culminating into a cosmic-sized hydrogen bomb blast. The outer layers of the white dwarf are blown away, producing a nova outburst that can be observed for a period of months to years as the material expands into space.
Classical Supernova are miniature version of Supernovas, . Supernovas signal the destruction of an entire star and can be so bright that they outshine the whole galaxy where they are found, Supernovas are extremely important as they give out all the vital gases needed for the making of new suns and planets, Supernovas can produce dispersing elements such as iron, calcium and oxygen into space,
Although Supernovas are more violent and energetic but classic supernovas can tell us some of the properties of supernovas
Chandra first observed GK Persei in February 2000 and then again in November 2013. This 13-year baseline provides astronomers with enough time to notice important differences in the X-ray emission and its properties.
read full story on: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/chandra/mini-supernova-explosion-could-have-big-impact.html#.VQeRW46UftA
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