A star could explode anytime now. Don't miss the once-in-a-lifetime event
Astronomers worldwide are eagerly anticipating a rare celestial event this summer as a star explodes in the sky and Earth will have a front row seat to celestial explosion.
T Coronae Borealis, nicknamed the "Blaze Star," is predicted to undergo a nova explosion.
A nova explosion is a powerful and sudden increase in brightness of a star, caused by a thermonuclear explosion on the surface of a white dwarf star. This occurs in a binary star system, where a white dwarf star is in close proximity to a companion star.
This binary star system, located in the constellation Corona Borealis, is one of only five known recurring novae in our galaxy, making its imminent eruption a truly exceptional occurrence.
A red giant star and white dwarf orbit each other in this animation of a nova similar to T Coronae Borealis. (Photo: Nasa)
What is T Coronae Borealis?
T Coronae Borealis consists of a white dwarf and a red giant star. The white dwarf has been steadily accumulating hydrogen from its companion, building up to a critical mass that will trigger a thermonuclear explosion.
In 2023, astronomers observed a dimming of T CrB, a phenomenon that typically precedes an eruption. Based on the pattern observed during its last nova in 1946, experts predict the outburst will occur between now and September 2024.
When the nova erupts, it will provide a spectacular but brief show for skywatchers. The star is expected to brighten dramatically, reaching a magnitude between +2 and +3, comparable to the stars in the Big Dipper.
This sudden increase in brightness will make T Coronae Borealis visible to the naked eye for approximately a week.
The nova's proximity and brightness offer a unique opportunity for both professional and amateur astronomers to study the structure and dynamics of recurring stellar explosions.
Stargazers can prepare by familiarizing themselves with the constellation Corona Borealis, which appears as a small semicircle between the bright stars Arcturus and Vega.
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