An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A phase in the → light curve evolution of eruptive objects such as → dwarf novae, → Soft X-ray Transients, and transient → magnetars which follows the characterized sudden increase in their flux (over a factor ~ 1000 over the quiescent level). Outburst decay is slow and lasts months or years.

See also: → outburst; → decay.