📷 Image Credits: Times Now
The summer skies are set to be illuminated by a spectacular celestial event as a rare nova outburst is expected to occur, offering a once-in-a-lifetime stargazing opportunity. T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), a star system located 3,000 light-years away from Earth, consisting of a red giant star and a white dwarf, is gearing up for this extraordinary event.
When the white dwarf in the T CrB system steals enough material from its red giant companion, it triggers a brief flash of nuclear fusion on its surface, resulting in a nova outburst. This phenomenon will be visible in the constellation Corona Borealis, also known as the Northern Crown, forming a semicircle of stars. The outburst, expected between February and September 2024, will shine as bright as the North Star in the night sky for around a week before fading away again, NASA officials revealed.
The opportunity to witness this nova outburst, which occurs approximately every 80 years, is a rare sight, making it a significant event for astronomers and stargazers alike. This recurring nova, last observed in 1946, is one of only five detected within the Milky Way galaxy, making it a unique sighting for skywatchers.
To catch a glimpse of the nova outburst, viewers are encouraged to observe the Corona Borealis constellation, located between the constellations Boötes and Hercules. During the outburst, the stellar system will have a magnitude of +2, visible to the naked eye and comparable in brightness to the North Star, Polaris, offering a mesmerizing display in the night sky.
The celestial event, which promises to be an awe-inspiring sight, showcases the captivating beauty and wonder of our universe. Enthusiasts and astronomers worldwide are anticipating this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Blaze Star nova illuminate the summer sky in a dazzling display of cosmic grandeur.