What is special about the star V838 of the Monoceros constellation depicted in the picture?

V838 Monocerotis (Nova Monocerotis 2002) is a spectroscopic binary star system in the constellation Monoceros about 19,000 light years (6 kpc) from the Sun. The previously unremarked star was observed in early 2002 experiencing a major outburst. The reason for the outburst is still uncertain, but several conjectures have been put forward, including an eruption related to stellar death processes and a merger of a binary star or planets.

Another possibility is that V838 Monocerotis may have swallowed its giant planets. If one of the planets entered into the atmosphere of the star, the stellar atmosphere would have begun slowing down the planet. As the planet penetrated deeper into the atmosphere, friction would become stronger and kinetic energy would be released into the star more rapidly. The star's envelope would then warm up enough to trigger deuterium fusion, which would lead to rapid expansion.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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13 Comments

John McLardie

The star hasn't exploded - it has had an expansion event. Commonly called a 'nova'. I note that they do not know what has caused this. A stellar explosion - a 'supernova' - leaves behind a nebula under normal circumstances, viz: - the 'Crab Nebula' (witnessed by Chinese astronomers about 1000 years ago.).

Mark G. Feeney

barrattjohn, According to a Wiki page that star is nearly 19,900 light years away. So it had its outburst mire than 19.000 years ago.

Irene Townsend

Patrick T, If it exploded over 19000yrs before, it was noticed by someone who saw it explode in 2002, then it is logical to say it exploded 2002, the NASA or whoever didn't see or hear it 19000yrs before, only noticed it recently, so no problem with the question or answer

Joe Petera

Enter Galactus.

Patrick T

If it is 19000 light years away, it would not have exploded in 2002, but 19000 years before 2002..We might have seen it happen in 2002, but that is not wben it happened .

Steve Edwards

For those saying that it didn’t explode, you need to consider that one dictionary definition of explosion is: a sudden increase in amount or extent (as in, “There was a sudden explosion in the population of fish in the lake”).

Stuart Harris

Another incorrect answer!

bonniecardona

Great challenging question Lily

Bob Miller

It did not explode in 2002. Nova & supernova may very well be called explosions. We detected the event in 2002. this bad phraseology cost me a questioopn

Larry Jones

I was looking for "It's the ugliest."

earlepg

As John McLardie stated, the star didn't explode. I suggest spending at least a couple of minutes and check out the actual article (especially the section "Outburst"). Briefly, it points out that on January 6, 2002, the star rapidly expanded, then on February 6, it rapidlly dimmed. In March it again brightened. In 2003 it returned to its original brightness but as a supergiant.