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


This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Saturday, October 17, 2015. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.