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[–] Houndai 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago 

There are even fancier variations out there, yes.

A cataclysmic variable is essentially a contact binary star where the other star is a white dwarf which is feeding off its fluffier companion. This can eventually lead to an explosive release of energy as the stuff piling up on the white dwarf goes beyond critical mass for fusion to happen.