A once-in-a-lifetime cosmic event is about to unfold. The star system T Coronae Borealis, also known as the Blaze Star or T CrB, is on the brink of a massive explosion that will light up our night sky. This binary star system, located about 3,000 light-years away in the Northern Crown of the Milky Way, consists of a white dwarf and an ancient red giant.
In this imminent nova event, the white dwarf will pull in solar material from the nearby red giant. The resulting thermonuclear explosion will cause the white dwarf to appear brighter in the sky. However, the star will not disintegrate. Once the explosion dissipates, the star will return to its original brightness.
This spectacular eruption, known as a nova, will be visible to the naked eye for about a week. During this period, it will seem as though a new star has appeared in the sky. According to NASA, the explosion could occur anytime between now and September, although it may take longer.
Those fortunate enough to be observing the night sky when the event begins may initially be disappointed. The explosion won’t appear as dramatic as it truly is. However, over the next 24 hours, a faint star will appear and gradually brighten. The best time to observe the nova will be about one day into the eruption, but it will remain visible for a few days.
The last nova from this star system occurred in 1946. So, get ready to witness this extraordinary cosmic spectacle. It’s time to sit up and pay attention to the night sky.
Read more: www.cnet.com