Image Credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

A star expected to explode in May and June has not yet shown signs of doing so. However, it is anticipated that 'Blaze Star,' also known as T Coronae Borealis, is finally on the path towards a cosmic explosion. T Coronae Borealis shines brightly at a magnitude of +2, similar to the North Star. Being a recurring nova, it will illuminate the sky for about a week or two before returning to its original brightness level.

Blaze Star is currently situated in the constellation Corona Borealis, approximately 3,000 light-years away from Earth. To provide some perspective, it would take around 57 million years to reach this star if traveling at a speed of 35,000 mph in space. This star is part of a two-star system, comprising a large, cool red giant star and a small, hot white dwarf star orbiting each other. There is a significant age difference between the two stars, amounting to billions of years. Material released by the red giant star is continuously transferred to the white dwarf star. As this material accumulates over time, a detonation occurs, resulting in a brightening of the white dwarf star before returning to its initial brightness. This explosive event is known as a nova.

This nova is visible to the naked eye for a week, appearing as if a new star has suddenly appeared. NASA confirms that the explosion can happen during the day or night. This cosmic phenomenon occurs approximately every 80 years, with the most recent one taking place in 1946. However, the heightened brightness is expected to occur two years earlier this time, as the event that caused the 1946 explosion has already transpired. This cycle has been ongoing for over 800 years since its initial observation. The increased brightness allows observers to witness the event with the naked eye and gather valuable data.

When will the explosion take place? According to astronomers, it could happen at any moment.Experts believe that the event is likely to occur toward the end of September, although an exact date cannot be determined. To locate the star, look for it in the constellation Corona Borealis. The star will not be visible until the thermonuclear eruption, but you can use other astronomical references to find it. Start by locating the Big Dipper, then follow the curve of its handle to find a bright red star called Arcturus. Moving northeast, locate another star named Vega, and you will find the Blaze Star located between the two.