A binary star system where a white dwarf accretes matter from a companion star, leading to dramatic outbursts and brightness variations. These systems include novae, dwarf novae, and other explosive stellar phenomena.
Coined in the 1960s combining 'cataclysmic' from Greek meaning 'violent upheaval' and 'variable' referring to changing brightness. The term encompasses various explosive binary systems previously classified separately.
Cataclysmic variables are stellar vampires with explosive tempers! When the white dwarf accumulates enough stolen hydrogen from its companion star, nuclear fusion ignites on its surface in a runaway reaction that can make the system 10,000 times brighter overnight - some novae become visible to the naked eye for weeks.
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