A star in the constellation Corona Borealis is soon to be visible in the sky as it is about to explode. Known as T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), this star is located 2,600 light-years away from Earth. The upcoming explosion, which won’t destroy the star, will make it a thousand times brighter than usual, according to franceinfo. Following this event, the star will be visible to the naked eye, similar to how one can see the North Star. This type of occurrence happens roughly every 80 years, with the last visibility of T CrB recorded in 1946.
2 in 1
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime event that will inspire a significant number of new astronomers, providing young people with a cosmic event they can observe, ask questions about, and collect their own data,” stated Rebekah Hounsell, a research assistant specializing in nova-type events at Goddard Space Flight Center in NASA.
T CrB is unique in that it is a binary star system, consisting of two stars. The first is a white dwarf, described by NASA as an “Earth-sized remnant of a dead star with a mass similar to that of our Sun.” The second star is an aging red giant that is “slowly losing its hydrogen due to the relentless gravitational pull of its voracious neighbor.”
Not to be confused with a supernova
The star occasionally explodes because hydrogen from the red giant accumulates on the surface of the white dwarf, resulting in increased pressure and heat. This type of explosion is called a nova and should not be confused with supernovas, which are considerably more powerful and destructive. “In the case of a nova, the dwarf star remains intact, and the accumulated material is expelled into space in a brilliant flash,” NASA explains.
The first recorded observation of T CrB occurred in the autumn of 1217 when a German abbot noticed “a faint star that temporarily shone with great brightness.”
T Coronae Borealis: Witness the Upcoming Nova Explosion
It will soon be visible in the sky. A star located in the constellation Corona Borealis is about to explode. Named T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), this extraordinary star is located 2,600 light-years from Earth. This explosion, which will not destroy the star, will make it a thousand times brighter than usual, as specified by Franceinfo. The star will then be clearly visible to the naked eye, in the same way as the North Star. Such a phenomenon occurs approximately every 80 years, with the last appearance noted in 1946.
2 in 1: The Binary Star System
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime event that will create a huge number of new astronomers, giving young people a cosmic event that they can observe for themselves, ask their own questions and collect their own data,” said Rebekah Hounsell, a research assistant specializing in nova-type events at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
T CrB is a fascinating binary star system, composed of two distinct stars:
- A White Dwarf: This is an “Earth-sized remnant of a dead star with a mass comparable to that of our Sun,” explains NASA.
- An Old Red Giant: This star is “slowly stripped of its hydrogen by the relentless gravitational pull of its hungry neighbor.”
Understanding the Nova: Not to be Confused with a Supernova
If the star sometimes explodes, it’s due to the hydrogen from the red giant accumulating on the surface of the white dwarf. This accumulation leads to an increase in pressure and heat, ultimately causing an explosion known as a nova. This is distinctly different from a supernova, which is a much more impressive and destructive event. “In the case of a nova, the dwarf star remains intact, and the accumulated matter is thrown into space in a blinding flash,” as clarified by NASA.
First Observations of T Coronae Borealis
The first recorded observation of T CrB dates back to the autumn of 1217, when a German abbot noted “a faint star that for a time shone with great light.” This historical context places T CrB among celestial phenomena that have sparked human curiosity for centuries.
The Science Behind Nova Explosions
Novas occur due to complex interactions between binary star systems. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- The white dwarf pulls material from the red giant.
- Hydrogen accumulates on the surface of the white dwarf.
- Pressure and temperature rise until a runaway nuclear fusion reaction occurs.
- This process releases an immense amount of energy, creating a nova.
The Brightness of T Coronae Borealis
When the nova occurs, T CrB will shine with unprecedented brilliance, reaching a magnitude nearly confirmed to be a thousand times brighter than its usual brightness:
| Magnitude | State |
|---|---|
| ~10 | Normal Brightness |
| ~2 | During Nova Explosion |
What to Expect During the Event
Visibility and Observation Tips
As T CrB transitions to its nova phase, avid star watchers can expect the following:
- The star will become prominent in the night sky, being visible to the naked eye.
- It will be located within the constellation Corona Borealis, making it easier to spot alongside familiar stars.
- For those equipped with telescopes, even more details about the nova explosion and its surrounding area can be revealed.
Best Viewing Times and Locations
To optimize your experience, consider these tips for the best viewing:
- Avoid light pollution by finding a dark location away from city lights.
- Visit on a clear night and plan your stargazing during new moon phases for optimal darkness.
- Utilize stargazing apps to help identify the constellation and track T CrB’s brightness over time.
The Impact on Astronomy and Youth Engagement
This upcoming event is not just an astronomical occurrence; it holds potential to inspire the next generation. Rebekah Hounsell emphasizes the educational aspect, stating:
“Such events allow young people to engage directly with science. They can collect data, ask questions, and contribute to our understanding of star phenomena.”
Final Thoughts on the Upcoming Nova
As T Coronae Borealis prepares for its moment in the spotlight, stargazers, both new and experienced, are encouraged to engage with this remarkable display of cosmic power. With the promise of becoming a thousand times brighter, T CrB is set to enrich our understanding of novae and stimulate excitement in the field of astronomy.
