The 'Blaze Star,' also known as T Coronae Borealis, which was expected to explode in May and June, has not shown any signs of doing so yet. However, it is anticipated that the star is now on the path towards a cosmic explosion. T Coronae Borealis, shining at a magnitude of +2 similar to the North Star, is a recurring nova that will briefly light up the sky before returning to its original intensity. Positioned in the constellation Corona Borealis around 3,000 light-years away, if traveling at a speed of 35,000 mph, it would take about 57 million years to reach the star. This star is part of a two-star system - a giant red star and a hot white dwarf star orbiting each other. Material released by the red giant feeds into the white dwarf, leading to a detonation and a brightening in the sky, known as a nova. This event is anticipated to occur soon, with the last one taking place in 1946 and the current cycle expected to result in heightened brightness two years earlier. This recurrent event, observed for over 800 years, allows for naked-eye viewing and data collection.They have been unable to pinpoint a specific date, but experts predict that the event will most likely occur toward the latter part of September. To find the star, first find the constellation Corona Borealis. Although the star is not visible until the anticipated thermonuclear eruption, other astronomical methods can help locate it. An easy way to find it is by locating the Big Dipper, then following the curve of its handle to spot the bright red star, Arcturus. In the northeast, you can find another star named Vega, and the Blaze Star will be visible between the two.
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 ...