📷 Image Credits: NDTV
Get your telescopes ready because an extraordinary celestial event is about to unfold in the night sky – a ‘new’ star, or nova, is set to make its appearance soon. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will allow skywatchers to witness a rare event that is typically unpredictable. The star at the center of this cosmic spectacle is T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), located in the constellation of the northern crown. Although usually too faint to be seen, this star undergoes a bright eruption every 80 years or so, transforming into a brilliant sight in the sky. As the eruption reaches its peak brightness, it will shine 1,500 times brighter than usual, offering a dazzling show for observers on Earth. This stellar display is made possible by the interaction between T CrB, a white dwarf, and a red giant companion, creating extreme conditions that ignite a thermonuclear reaction. The event is eagerly awaited by astronomers who have been monitoring the system for signs of the eruption, with predictions suggesting the nova could occur anytime between now and September. Amateur astronomers play a crucial role in keeping an eye on the night sky, ready to alert the professional community of the celestial event. So, make sure to keep an eye out for the ‘new’ star in the sky, as it promises to be a spectacular sight for all stargazing enthusiasts.
