KPD 1930+2752
KPD 1930+2752 is a binary star system including a subliminal B star (a B-star which has moved outside the luminosity range of a similar star in the main sequence) and a probable white dwarf with relatively high mass. Due to the nature of this astronomical system, it seems like a likely candidate for a potential type Ia supernova, a type of supernova which occurs when a white dwarf star takes on enough matter to approach the Chandrasekhar limit, the point at which electron degeneracy pressure would not be enough to support its mass. However, carbon fusion would occur before this limit was reached, releasing enough energy to overcome the force of gravity holding the star together and resulting in a supernova.
The total mass of the binary star system likely exceeds the Chandrasekhar limit, making this system one of the most likely candidates known to serve as a progenitor for a future type Ia supernova.
External links
- "The hot subdwarf B + white dwarf binary KPD 1930+2752. A supernova type Ia progenitor candidate". Astronomy and Astrophysics 464: 299–307. 2007. Bibcode:2006astro.ph..9742G. doi:10.1051/0004-6361:20066098.
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