Crossword Genius

New star number presented by V and A (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nova

'new star' is the definition.
(a nova might be regarded as a new star)

'number presented by v and a' is the wordplay.
'number' becomes 'no' (abbreviation).
'presented by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'no'+'v'+'a'='NOVA'

(Other definitions for nova that I've seen before include "Star suddenly erupting in brightness" , "Star that ejects a cloud, thus becoming brighter" , "Suddenly expanding star" , "Star that suddenly becomes brighter for a time" , "Star that suddenly increases in brightness" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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