NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center credits the image. The anticipated cosmic explosion of the ‘Blaze Star,’ also known as T Coronae Borealis, has not yet occurred as expected. It is foreseen that this star, shining at a magnitude similar to the North Star, will illuminate the sky with its brightness for a brief period before returning to its original intensity. Situated in the Corona Borealis constellation, about 3,000 light-years away, Blaze Star is part of a two-star system consisting of a red giant and a white dwarf star in orbit. The recurring nova event, caused by material build-up from the red giant feeding into the white dwarf, results in a temporary spike in brightness. This spectacular explosion is expected to be visible to the naked eye for about a week, resembling the sudden appearance of a new star in the sky. Although the event takes place every 80 years, this occurrence is ahead of schedule compared to the previous one in 1946. Astronomers suggest that the explosion could happen imminently.However, an exact date cannot be determined, although experts anticipate it will occur around the end of September. To find it, the star is situated in the Corona Borealis constellation and will only become visible during the thermonuclear eruption. You can still pinpoint its location using other astronomical methods. The simplest way is to identify the Big Dipper, then proceed to follow the curve of its handle. Along this path, you will see a prominent red star named Arcturus. In the northeast direction, look for another star named Vega, and between these two, the Blaze Star will come into view.
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 ...