[vsnet-chat 565] Dwarf nova vs. nova outbursts -- a question

["Bob King" <lakewind@duluth.infi.net>]

I've been an active AAVSO variable star observer for many years with 
a particular focus on dwarf novae. I have found this chat group to be 
most informative and enjoyable to read. Recently I was studying the 
causes behind novae and dwarf novae outbursts and was puzzled
by the lack of clarity in the explanations for each. Granted much 
needs to be worked out but can anyone explain in laymen's terms what 
the origin of the light outburst is in a typical cataclysmic like SS 
Cygni or U Geminorum. Is the accretion disk the key source for the 
great magnitude change in dwarf novae? Or does it  burn hydrogen on 
the surface of the white dwarf star as in a nova?

Thank you all for any reply to my question!  Bob King (KRB)

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