BZ Cam Bow Shock

BZ Cam is a binary star system that is not well understood. In most cataclysmic variables , matter from a normal star accumulates on the surface of the companion white dwarf star, eventually causing a nova -like flare as the material becomes hot enough to ignite nuclear fusion . In BZ Cam , however, light appears to flicker unpredictably, and an unusually large wind of particles is being expelled. Pictured above , BZ Cam 's wind creates a large bow-shock as the system moves through surrounding interstellar gas . BZ Cam lies about 2500 light-years away toward the constellation of Camelopardalis .