The classical nova occurred in a binary star system in the Milky Way's Centaurus constellation, 6,300 light-years from Earth. In a close binary star system where two stars orbit each other, a white dwarf star is paired with a red dwarf star. A classical nova occurs when a white dwarf star gains matter from its secondary star over a period of time, causing a thermonuclear reaction on the surface that eventually erupts in a single visible outburst. But based on long-term observations, this white dwarf star experienced periodic brightening over six years leading up to the explosion. Its image was captured, effectively creating a time stamp of the white dwarf star and its red dwarf star.

Source: CNN August 17, 2016 17:48 UTC