Image Credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

A star known as 'Blaze Star,' or T Coronae Borealis, was expected to explode back in May and June. However, the star has not yet shown signs of doing so. It is anticipated that the star is now on the path to a cosmic explosion. T Coronae Borealis, shining at a magnitude of +2 similar to the North Star, will illuminate the sky with its brightness for a brief period before returning to its original intensity.

Blaze Star is currently positioned in the constellation Corona Borealis, approximately 3,000 light-years away from Earth, requiring 57 million years to reach it, even at a speed of 35,000 mph. It is part of a two-star system, consisting of a large, cool red giant star and a small, hot white dwarf star orbiting each other. The red giant star releases matter constantly fed into the white dwarf star, leading to a detonation. This phenomenon, known as a nova, results in a temporary increase in the brightness of the white dwarf star, which then returns to its original state over time.

This nova event will be visible to the naked eye for about a week, resembling the sudden appearance of a new star. According to NASA, the explosion may occur at any time, day or night. This cosmic event, occurring roughly every 80 years, was last observed in 1946, but is expected to have a brightness spike two years earlier this time due to a preceding event. This recurring cycle has been observed for over 800 years, allowing viewers to witness and collect data during these bright episodes.

Astronomers predict that the explosion of Blaze Star is imminent, and the event is eagerly anticipated.However, an exact date cannot be determined by experts. It is believed that the event will likely take place in late September. To find it: The star is located in the Corona Borealis constellation but will only be visible after the thermonuclear eruption. Despite this, it can still be located using other astronomical methods. The simplest way is to first spot the Big Dipper, then track along the curve of its handle. You will come across a bright red star named Arcturus. To the northeast, identify another star known as Vega, and the Blaze Star will be situated between the two.