Such stars are now modeled as interacting binary star systems, composed of a compact white dwarf star co-orbiting with a swollen red giant.
As material falls away from the red giant it collects in a rotating accretion disk before ultimately falling on to the white dwarf.
Disk instabilities, or a build up of material on the compact star result in the occasional but rapid release of energy through nuclear burning.
At an estimated distance of 3,000 light-years, RS Ophiuci is now reported to be fading rapidly.
This telescopic view spans about 2 degrees (4 full moons) and was captured on the morning of February 16 from the RAS Observatory under New Mexico skies.
