A Novel Method to Analyze Thermonuclear Explosions in Four Binary Star Systems Using NASA’s High Time Resolution TESS Data

Overview

Novae eruptions occur in interacting binary star systems when a white dwarf is accreting mass from its companion. When the shell of material reaches the flash point, a runaway thermonuclear explosion occurs. This results in a sudden and substantial eruption that produces heavier elements and lithium in the universe. Analyzing the light curves of novae can help to understand unanswered questions about binary system, such as the reason why certain systems experience novae, mergers, or ejections. This study utilized time and flux data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite for four novae, V2891 Cyg, PGIR22akgylf, V1711 Sco, and V567 Nor. These data were constructed into light curves to lo ok at the general shape of the novae eruptions. The light curves were detrended to perform a Lomb -Scargle periodogram analysis to detect periodicities and other patterns. The period calculated from the max frequency was used to phase fold the light curve. A strong periodicity was detected in the nova PGIR22akgylf. Further analysis, such as a power law, can help determine if the other two novae also exhibit variations. These results are the first steps to answer the mysteries that surround novae and binary stars.

Competition history

• JSHS 2025 Category not listed

Resources

• National JSHS abstract book ↗

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