Image Credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

A star known as the 'Blaze Star,' or T Coronae Borealis, was expected to undergo a cosmic explosion in May and June but has not shown any signs of doing so yet. However, it is anticipated that this event is now imminent. T Coronae Borealis, shining at a magnitude of +2 like the North Star, is a recurring nova that will illuminate the sky for a brief period before returning to its usual brightness level.

Located in the constellation Corona Borealis approximately 3,000 light-years away from Earth, Blaze Star is part of a binary system consisting of a red giant and a white dwarf star. These stars have a significant age difference, with matter from the red giant being transferred to the white dwarf until a detonation occurs, resulting in a nova event.

This nova is expected to be visible to the naked eye for about a week, appearing like a new star suddenly appearing in the sky. The explosion is anticipated to happen soon, with NASA clarifying that it can take place during the day or night. This recurring event, happening every 80 years, was last observed in 1946, with the upcoming occurrence predicted to be two years earlier than expected due to already occurring triggering events. The cosmic event, first recorded over 800 years ago, permits observations and data collection due to the brightness visible to the naked eye.The exact date cannot be determined, but experts anticipate the event is likely to occur in late September. To locate the star, which is situated in the Corona Borealis constellation, one must wait for the thermonuclear eruption. Alternatively, other astronomical methods can also be used to find it. A simple way is to first identify the Big Dipper, then trace a path along the curve of its handle. Along this line, you will encounter a vivid red star known as Arcturus. Heading towards the northeast, another star named Vega can be found, with the Blaze Star positioned between the two.