Complications in Binary Systems
Can move mass between stars
1st (massive) star becomes red giant
Its envelope transferred to other star
Hot (white dwarf) core exposed
2nd star becomes red giant
Its envelope transferred to white dwarf
Accretion disk around white dwarf
Angular momentum doesn�t let material fall
directly to white dwarf surface
Recurrent nova explosions
White dwarf hot enough for fusion, but no
Hydrogen fuel
New fuel comes in from companion
Occasionally ignites explosively,
blowing away remaining fuel