An astronomical event in which a star suddenly shines many times brighter for a short period of time. This is caused by a thermonuclear explosion on the surface of a white dwarf.
example
Mit dem Teleskop konnte man die Nova für einige Wochen am Nachthimmel erkennen.
With the telescope, the nova could be seen in the night sky for several weeks.
Usage tips
Origin of the word
The word 'Nova' (nova) comes from the Latin 'nova stella', meaning 'new star'. In the past, people thought it was a new star that suddenly appeared in the sky.
EXAMPLE
Die Entdeckung einer Nova war früher eine wissenschaftliche Sensation.
The discovery of a nova used to be a scientific sensation.
Register and style
'Nova' (nova) is a technical term from astronomy. In everyday language, one would more likely describe the phenomenon, for example as 'ein Stern, der plötzlich sehr hell wird' (a star that suddenly becomes very bright).
EXAMPLE
Der Professor erklärte den Unterschied zwischen einer Nova und einer Supernova.
The professor explained the difference between a nova and a supernova.
Typical collocations
In an astronomical context, 'Nova' (nova) is often combined with verbs like 'beobachten' (to observe) or 'entdecken' (to discover). You can also say that a nova 'erscheint' (appears) in the sky.
EXAMPLE
Astronomen haben letzte Nacht eine neue Nova entdeckt.