Astronomers and stargazers eagerly await a once-in-a-lifetime event that can occur at any moment now. They expect to see a star explode by September, and it will be visible from Earth, so we can all watch.
T Coronae Borealis
T Coronae Borealis, also called the Blaze star, is a binary star system about 3,000 light years away and consists of one white dwarf and one red giant. The white dwarf accretes hydrogen from the red giant. When enough accumulates, it triggers a thermonuclear explosion, causing the star to become significantly brighter in the night sky for a short time.
When and How to Watch
Astronomers expect the explosion to occur before September 2024, and during its peak, you should be able to see it without a telescope for several days and over a week with one. It will take place in the constellation Corona Borealis, which is between the constellations Hercules and Boötes, and it can be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the location before the event so it will be easier to find when it does.
Scientific Significance
The Blaze star explosion is significant because it offers scientists a rare chance to study a nova explosion in real-time. The last eruption of T CrB occurred in 1946, and this time, we have much better technology to study the event, giving us the opportunity to gather data and refine our understanding of how stars behave and evolve.
What Is the Difference between a Nova and a Supernova?
A nova is a non-destructive explosion on the surface of a white dwarf caused by an accumulation of gases. A supernova is a much more powerful explosion that marks the end of a star's life, often resulting in the star collapsing into a neutron star or black hole.
Do We Watch Other Stars Explode?
Besides the Blaze star, which explodes every 80 years, scientists have also recently observed another star explode. A team of scientists began observing red supergiant SN 2020tlf over 100 days before its explosive end, as they started seeing unusual bright flashes of light gas ejected from the star's surface. To observe it, astronomers used the Pan-STARRS1 telescope and the W. M. Keck Observatory, both located in Hawaii, for over 130 days, which ended in a spectacular supernova. The observation provided valuable insights into a star's last days.
How Bright Will the Nova Be?
You can expect the nova to be about as bright as the North Star.
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