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Binary orbits as the driver of γ-ray emission and mass ejection in classical novae
Laura Chomiuk1, Justin D Linford1, Jun Yang2
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA.
Nature
|October 9, 2014
Summary
The study reveals that binary star motion shapes nova explosions, expelling gas along poles and equatorially. This binary shaping creates shocks that accelerate particles, explaining gamma-ray emissions from novae.
Area of Science:
- Astrophysics
- Explosive phenomena
- Stellar evolution
Background:
- Classical novae are common thermonuclear explosions on white dwarfs in binary systems.
- Mass ejection mechanisms in novae are not fully understood.
- Many novae are detected at gigaelectronvolt (GeV) gamma-ray wavelengths, indicating particle acceleration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of mass ejection and gamma-ray production in classical novae.
- To understand the role of binary interaction in shaping nova ejecta.
- To pinpoint the origin of relativistic particle acceleration in gamma-ray emitting novae.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution radio imaging of the gamma-ray-emitting nova V959 Mon.
- Analysis of ejecta morphology and synchrotron emission.
Main Results:
- Nova ejecta are shaped by binary system motion, with polar outflows and equatorial drift.
- Synchrotron emission observed at the interface of polar and equatorial ejecta.
- Evidence of shocks and relativistic particle acceleration identified in the ejecta.
Conclusions:
- Binary shaping of nova ejecta is a key factor in mass ejection.
- Internal shocks within shaped ejecta are responsible for relativistic particle acceleration and gamma-ray production.
- This mechanism likely explains why many novae are observed as gamma-ray emitters.
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