Concept information
Preferred term
Dwarf novae
Definition
- A class of novae and cataclysmic variables that have multiple observed eruptions. Their prototype is U Geminorum star. Optically, dwarf nova eruptions have amplitudes of 2-6 mag in V, a duration of a few to 20 days and a recurrence time-scale of weeks to years. Dwarf novae are thought to be semidetached binary stars consisting of a white dwarf primary accreting via Roche lobe overflow from a companion which is usually a late-type, generally main-sequence star. DN outbursts are usually attributed to the release of gravitational energy resulting from an instability in the accretion disk or by sudden mass transfers through the disk. (en)
Broader concept
- Novae (en)
Narrower concepts
- SU Ursae Majoris stars (en)
- SX Arietis variable stars (en)
- U Geminorum stars (en)
- WZ Sagittae stars (en)
- Z Camelopardalis stars (en)
Entry terms
- Dwarf nova (en)
- U Geminorum-type variable stars (en)
Editorial note
URI
http://astrothesaurus.org/uat/418
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