2019/12/31 by Matthew J. Darnley, M. J. Darnley, Darnley, Matthew J. · 1 voice · 1 citation
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Astronomical Observations and Instrumentation #Astrophysical Phenomena and Observations #Particle Accelerators and Free-Electron Lasers #astro-ph.HE #astro-ph.SR
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1912.13209
openalex publication_date 2019/12/31 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
All novae recur, but only a handful have been observed in eruption more than\nonce. These systems, the recurrent novae (RNe), are among the most extreme\nexamples of novae. RNe have long been thought of as potential type Ia supernova\nprogenitors, and their claim to this 'accolade' has recently been strengthened.\nIn this short review RNe will be presented within the framework of the maximum\nmagnitude-rate of decline (MMRD) phase-space. Recent work integrating\nHe-flashes into nova models, and the subsequent growth of the white dwarf, will\nbe explored. This review also presents an overview of the Galactic and\nextragalactic populations of RNe, including the newly identified 'rapid\nrecurrent nova' subset - those with recurrence periods of ten years, or less.\nThe most exciting nova system yet discovered - M31N 2008-12a, with its annual\neruptions and vast nova super-remnant, is introduced. Throughout, open\nquestions regarding RNe, and some of the expected challenges and opportunities\nthat the near future will bring are addressed.\n