Astronomers are expecting a ‘new star’ to appear in the night sky anytime between now and September, and it promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime celestial sight, according to NASA.
The expected brightening event, known as a nova, will occur in the Milky Way’s Corona Borealis, or Northern Crown constellation, which is located between the Boötes and Hercules constellations.
While a supernova is the explosive death of a massive star, a nova refers to the sudden, brief explosion from a collapsed star known as a white dwarf.
T Coronae Borealis, dubbed the “Blaze Star,” is a binary system with a dead white dwarf and an aging red giant in the Corona Borealis.
The system erupts every 79 years due to the stars’ violent interaction, leading to a runaway thermonuclear reaction and a nova.
Astronomers anticipate the next eruption between now and September, based on dimming observed since last year.
This recurring nova, located 3,000 light-years away, is typically too faint to see but will brighten to the level of Po
laris, visible in the Northern Hemisphere.
Once peaked, it’ll remain visible for a week with binoculars before fading for another 80 years.
Researchers will observe using the Hubble Space Telescope and Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory to understand mass transfer and thermonuclear reactions.
William J. Cooke, from NASA, recalls witnessing a similar event in 1975, emphasizing the impact on his career choice. The NASA Universe account will provide updates
Source: Oman News Agency
