The‘Blaze Star,’ also called T Coronae Borealis, was anticipated to undergo an explosive event in May and June, but has not shown any indications of this to date. It is predicted that the star is now on track for a cosmic explosion. T Coronae Borealis, shining at a magnitude of +2 like the North Star, is a recurring nova that will briefly light up the sky with its brightness for a week or two before returning to its original intensity. Currently situated in the Corona Borealis constellation around 3,000 light-years away from Earth, it would take roughly 57 million years for a spacecraft traveling at 35,000 mph to reach the star. Blaze Star exists within a dual-star system composed of a large, cool red giant star and a small, hot white dwarf star orbiting each other, with a significant age gap between them. The material emitted by the red giant star is continuously transferred to the white dwarf star, leading to periodic detonations. Although the white dwarf star appears brighter during these eruptions, it remains intact and eventually returns to its original luminosity. This eruptive event, known as a nova, will be visible to the naked eye for a week, resembling the sudden appearance of a new star in the sky. NASA notes the explosion could occur during the day or night, not just at night. This recurrent cosmic phenomenon takes place every 80 years, with the last observed event in 1946. However, the spike in brightness is anticipated to occur two years earlier this time, as the trigger event for the 1946 explosion has already occurred. This cyclical pattern has persisted since its initial discovery over 800 years ago. The increased brightness during the event will allow observers to witness it with the naked eye and gather valuable data.
When will the explosion happen?
Astronomers suggest the explosion could happen at any time soon.Although experts cannot determine a specific date, they anticipate the event will occur near the end of September. To find it, look for the star within the Corona Borealis constellation, which will only become visible during the anticipated thermonuclear eruption. Even prior to this eruption, there are other astronomical methods to help you locate it. One simple approach is to find the Big Dipper, trace the curve of its handle, and identify the bright red star Arcturus. Then, look for the star Vega in the northeast and the Blaze Star will be positioned between these two stars.