London, England – After the recent solar eclipse, skywatchers are now eagerly anticipating a rare celestial event in the Milky Way. A massive star explosion known as a nova, nicknamed the ‘Blaze Star’, is set to occur in the constellation T Coronae Borealis, approximately 3,000 light years away. The explosion, which occurs every 80 years, is expected to be visible to the naked eye and reach a brightness similar to that of the North Star.
A nova, derived from the Latin for ‘new star’, occurs when a previously dim star suddenly emits a burst of bright light, becoming visible as a new star in the night sky. T Coronae Borealis, composed of a red giant and a white dwarf, is in the process of a transfer of gas from the red giant to the white dwarf. This exchange of gas will eventually trigger a thermonuclear explosion, creating a brilliant display of light.
While the exact date of the star explosion is uncertain, astronomers anticipate that it will happen before September 2024. Sky gazers are encouraged to monitor updates on the event through NASA’s social media platforms. The nova will be visible without the need for special equipment, simply by looking towards the Corona Borealis constellation, located at 65 degrees above the horizon in the south after 3am.
Following the explosion, the celestial event will be visible to the naked eye for a few days, and with binoculars for a little over a week. Experts recommend familiarizing oneself with the specific area of the sky using binoculars ahead of time to fully appreciate the spectacle. This rare phenomenon is considered a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ event and presents a unique opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts to witness a spectacular display of cosmic fireworks in the night sky.
In order to prepare for this extraordinary event, individuals can enhance their viewing experience by learning more about the constellation Corona Borealis and its location in the night sky. By taking advantage of this opportunity, skywatchers can witness a rare astronomical event that promises to captivate and inspire viewers with its beauty and wonder.