: the 'Millinova'. These cosmic explosions, 100 times brighter than the Sun, were stumbled upon by scientists and are reshaping our understanding of stellar evolution. Unlike conventional novae or supernovae, millinovas occur when a white dwarf devours material from a subgiant companion, resulting in breathtaking bursts of heat and X-ray radiation. Found within our neighboring galaxies, the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, these explosive events reach mind-boggling temperatures exceeding one million degrees Fahrenheit. Symmetrical and intense, millinovas offer fresh perspectives on stellar interactions and the life cycles of stars. Researchers propose that they could even be the forebears of Type Ia supernovae, key tools in cosmic distance measurement. As we journey further into the universe's vastness, millinovas serve as a powerful reminder of the boundless mysteries that lie ahead, waiting to be uncovered.
