Cataclysmic Variables

Cataclysmic variables are binary star systems where a white dwarf pulls material from a companion star, often a normal star like our Sun. This transfer of matter creates an accretion disk around the white dwarf, leading to periodic and sometimes dramatic increases in brightness, known as outbursts. These events occur when accumulated material ignites or suddenly plunges onto the white dwarf’s surface. They are important for studying stellar evolution and the behavior of matter under extreme gravity. Overall, cataclysmic variables showcase dynamic interactions between stars and the powerful effects of gravitational forces.