IM Normae is a recurrent nova,
which is a variable star and a binary star,
consisting of a white dwarf and a second
larger, but unknown type of star.
IM Normae is one of just a very few observed recurrent novae
in the Milky Way.
Two eruptions have been recorded, the first in 1920 and the
most recent in 2002.
It is dim because of its distance, and knowledge
of it is limited.
While not undergoing an eruption, its brightness
varies regularly, presumed to be the larger
star having a higher temperature on the
side toward its white dwarf binary companion.
Characteristics:
Other such Milky-Way recurrent novae include
RS Ophiuchi with seven observed eruptions, 1898 to 2021,
T Pyxidis (T Pyx) which erupted in 1944, 1967, and 2011,
and
T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) which erupted in 1866 and 1946.