A
luminous red nova (abbr.
LRN, pl.
luminous red novae, pl.abbr.
LRNe) is a stellar explosion thought to be caused by the merging of two
stars. They are characterised by a distinct red colour, and a
light curve that lingers with resurgent brightness in the
infrared. Luminous red novae are not to be confused with standard
novae, explosions that occur on the surface of
white dwarf stars.