"The Impending Explosion of Blaze Star: How to Watch and Where to Find It"
Image Credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center A star that was supposed to explode in May and June has yet to show any signs of doing so. However, it is expected that the ‘Blaze Star,’ also known ...
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NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center credits the image of the star known as 'Blaze Star', or T Coronae Borealis. This star was anticipated to explode in May and June, but so far, no signs of an explosion have been observed. However, it is predicted that the cosmic eruption of Blaze Star is imminent. With a luminosity similar to the North Star at a magnitude of +2, Blaze Star is classified as a recurring nova. It will briefly illuminate the sky with its brilliance for a week or two before returning to its original brightness. Situated in the Corona Borealis constellation about 3,000 light-years away from Earth, reaching this star would require a journey of approximately 57 million years traveling at a speed of 35,000 mph. Blaze Star is part of a binary system consisting of a large, cool red giant star and a small, hot white dwarf star that orbit each other. The white dwarf star undergoes a detonation process as it accumulates matter released by the red giant star, resulting in a brightness surge in the sky known as a nova. This occurrence, visible to the naked eye for about a week, resembles the sudden appearance of a new star. The nova event is anticipated to happen soon, following the historical 80-year cycle, with the most recent one taking place in 1946. This time, the brightness increase is expected two years earlier than the previous cycle due to a preceding triggering event. Astronomers believe the explosion will occur shortly, as it can be witnessed at any time, day or night, without the need for specific timing.Although experts are unable to determine a specific date, they anticipate that the event will likely occur around the end of September. To find the star, it is located in the constellation Corona Borealis but will only become visible after the thermonuclear eruption. Despite this, you can still find it using other astronomical techniques. The simplest method is to first locate the Big Dipper, then follow the curve of its handle. Along this path, you will come across a bright red star known as Arcturus. Look towards the northeast to find Vega, and between these two stars, the Blaze Star will emerge.