A nova occurs when

A. a massive star experiences collapse of its iron core and explodes.

B. binary black holes radiate energy away as gravity waves, spiral in, and collide.

C. hydrogen accreted onto a white dwarf from a close companion rapidly fuses to helium, releasing a large amount of energy.

D. a white dwarf accretes enough material from a close companion that electron degeneracy pressure can no longer support it, and it explodes.