Colloquium: Prof. Jennifer Sokoloski (Columbia University)

Over the past decade, the finding that many, if not most, novae produce GeV gamma-rays has revolutionized our understanding of these common major stellar eruptions. Powerful shocks generated when slow and fast outflows collide are now thought to play a key role in numerous aspects of nova eruptions, from accelerating particles to relativistic speeds, to helping eject the white dwarf's envelope, powering the optical emission, and possibly triggering catastrophic cooling and dust formation. Novae prevent progression to type Ia supernovae for many accreting white dwarfs, and observational and theoretical studies of novae provide insight into physics that is pervasive in astrophysical transients. In this talk, I will review the current state of nova research, with an emphasis on how technological advances have spurred progress. Continuing with that theme, I will end with a look forward to Rubin LSST and efforts to prepare the astrophysics community to hit the ground running when LSST data begin to flow.