Scientists witness a white dwarf's massive X-ray explosion for the 1st time ever

[Admin]

European scientists used the eROSITA X-ray telescope to observe a white dwarf nova for the first time.

Scientists witness a white dwarf's massive X-ray explosion for the 1st time ever : Read more

 

[sam85geo]

The article reminded me of Sirius A and Sirius B. I have to wonder if any group is monitoring them for a possible Type 1a supernova since these stars are ~8+ ly from Earth.

 

[rod]

The article reminded me of Sirius A and Sirius B. I have to wonder if any group is monitoring them for a possible Type 1a supernova since these stars are ~8+ ly from Earth.

Good question. Sirius A and B are separated by about 20 AU semi-major axis with orbital period a bit more than 50 years. This binary star system has been studied for some 150 years or so direct imaging and determining the star masses and orbits. I think Sirius A and B are too far apart for Sirius A to lose mass onto B, the white dwarf companion. I have not seen any reports indicating mass transfer taking place in this binary system. Also Sirius A is main sequence star, not a red giant.