On the night of May 12, 1866, while gazing at the sky, Irish astronomer John Birmingham observed a very bright flash in the constellation Corona Borealis. Eighty years later, in 1946, American astronomer Leslie Peltier witnessed the same flash. Subsequent research revealed that this light in the mentioned constellation is a recurring nova that explodes roughly every 80 years, leading to extraordinary events like those previously described.
For 2024, NASA has announced that a new explosion is anticipated since the star has slightly dimmed since last year, indicating that the cycle is nearing its repeat phase, expected to occur between now and October. Dr. René A. Ortega Minakata, from the Institute of Radio Astronomy and Astrophysics at UNAM, discussed the significance of this event for the astronomical community and provided advice on how to observe it.
“This event is extraordinary because, although the explosion cycle occurs approximately every 80 years, there are very few recurrent novae in the Milky Way—around 10 in total. This allows the global astronomical community to prepare to study and analyze this event before, during, and after it happens. Additionally, it is an important opportunity to validate the research conducted on the structure and dynamics of stellar explosions,” he stated.
To clarify why this explosion occurs in T Coronae Borealis (also known as T CrB or Blaze Star), it is essential to note that this binary system, situated more than three thousand light-years away, consists of two stars: a white dwarf and a red giant.
The white dwarf is the remnant of a star that is nearly out of fuel, while the red giant remains active and continues to heat up. As the red giant heats, it expands, shedding its outer layers into space, which the white dwarf then absorbs. This process causes the white dwarf to heat up as well, triggering a nuclear reaction that results in the brightness increase observed from Earth as a nova.
“This is what we commonly refer to as a nova explosion, and there have been records since the 13th century indicating that it occurs every eight decades,” Ortega Minakata explained.
How to Watch the Event?
This astronomical event has not only captured the attention of the scientific community but also thousands of individuals eager not to miss out. Therefore, the IRyA expert noted that to observe it, one should monitor using tools like the NASA Blog, Star Walk 2, or Sky Tonight.
Additionally, it will be important to become familiar with the section of the sky where this event will take place. T Corona Borealis is most visible in the northern hemisphere, making it more challenging to see from the southern hemisphere, though not impossible. Once this is understood, locating the two brightest stars in the northern hemisphere, Arcturus and Vega, will lead stargazers in a straight line to Hercules and then to Corona Borealis.
Differences Between Nova and Supernova
To educate the public on astronomical terminology, the IRyA specialist explained the distinctions between a nova and a supernova.
A nova is characterized by a sudden and intense increase in a star’s brightness, resulting from the interaction between a white dwarf and a red giant. This produces a powerful explosion on the surface of the white dwarf. The star is not destroyed, and further explosions, known as recurrent novae, may occur.
In contrast, a supernova refers to the violent death of a very massive star, where its core collapses. This explosion expands rapidly, creating an event that can even be observed in other galaxies.
Essentially, the difference lies in the level of luminosity, with supernovae being much brighter, and the underlying processes by which they occur being entirely distinct.
T Corona Borealis: The Upcoming Nova of 2024
On the night of May 12, 1866, while observing the sky, Irish astronomer John Birmingham described a remarkably bright flash in the constellation Corona Borealis. Eighty years later, in 1946, American astronomer Leslie Peltier witnessed this same flash. Through further studies, astronomers discovered that this light in Corona Borealis is a recurring nova that explodes every 80 years, creating extraordinary astronomical events.
Anticipation for the 2024 Nova
According to NASA, a new explosion is set to occur in 2024, as the star has dimmed slightly since last year. This dimming signals that the cycle will likely repeat itself anytime from now until October. Dr. René A. Ortega Minakata, from the Institute of Radio Astronomy and Astrophysics of the UNAM, emphasized the significant importance of this event for the astronomical community.
“Even though the cycle repeats approximately every 80 years, there are very few recurrent novae in the Milky Way—around just 10. This provides a unique opportunity for the global astronomical community to prepare for study and analysis before, during, and after the event occurs,” he noted.
Understanding T Coronae Borealis
The upcoming explosion involves T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), located over 3,000 light years away. This binary system consists of a white dwarf and a red giant. The white dwarf is the remnant of a nearly exhausted star, while the red giant continues to be active and scorching hot. As the red giant swells, its outer layers are shed into space, which the white dwarf then absorbs.
This accretion of material heats the white dwarf, creating a nuclear reaction that results in the significant brightness observed from Earth during a nova explosion. “Records indicate that this has been happening every eighty years since the 13th century,” stated Dr. Ortega Minakata.
How to Watch the Upcoming Nova Event
The anticipation around this astronomical event attracts not only professionals but also thousands of eager skywatchers. Dr. Ortega provides several recommendations for those interested in observing this stunning phenomenon:
- Monitoring Tools: Use resources such as the NASA Blog, Star Walk 2, or Sky Tonight to keep updated on the timing of the explosion.
- Location: The nova will be visible globally, but it may require optimal conditions to view. The brightness is predicted to increase from magnitude 10 to 2, making it visible to the naked eye, albeit for a short time.
- Sky Familiarization: To find T Corona Borealis, first identify the two brightest stars in the northern hemisphere: Arcturus and Vega. Drawing a line from one to another will guide you to the constellation Hercules and ultimately to Corona Borealis.
Differences Between Nova and Supernova
To clarify popular astronomical concepts, Dr. Ortega outlined the key differences between a nova and a supernova:
| Feature | Nova | Supernova |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A sudden increase in a star’s brightness, often resulting from binary interactions. | The violent end of a massive star’s life cycle, leading to its core collapse. |
| Brightness | Much less bright than a supernova, observable in our galaxy. | Extremely bright; can be seen in distant galaxies. |
| Longevity | Can have multiple explosions over time. | Generally occurs once, resulting in the destruction of the star. |
This distinction in processes highlights the significance of each phenomenon within the broader context of stellar life cycles.
Benefits and Practical Tips for Star Gazers
Watching a nova can enhance your understanding of the universe while igniting a passion for astronomy. Here are some practical tips to maximize your viewing experience:
- Join Local Astronomy Groups: Engaging with local clubs can provide you with more knowledge and equipment.
- Use Binoculars or a Telescope: While it can be seen with the naked eye, telescopes can provide a more detailed view.
- Document Your Observations: Keep a journal of your celestial sightings, noting the conditions and your feelings about the experience.
First-Hand Experiences and Case Studies
Many enthusiasts have shared their encounter with past nova events, and these stories often highlight the awe-inspiring moments that drive interest in astronomy:
- The 1946 Event: Observers noted the shock of brightness and described how it lit up the night sky, leading to a surge of interest in stellar phenomena.
- The 1866 Explosion: Witnesses recalled the vivid flash that captivated stargazers across Ireland, marking a pivotal moment in astronomical record-keeping.
These narratives serve as historical reminders of the significance and charm of astronomy, continuing to inspire new generations of star gazers.
