Image Credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

A star that was predicted to explode in May and June has not yet shown any signs of doing so. However, it is anticipated that the ‘Blaze Star,’ also known as T Coronae Borealis, is finally on the verge of a cosmic explosion. T Coronae Borealis shines at a magnitude of +2, similar to the North Star. Being a recurring nova, the star will illuminate the sky with its brightness for only a brief period before returning to its original intensity.

Located in the constellation Corona Borealis roughly 3,000 light-years away from Earth, Blaze Star is part of a two-star system. This system consists of a large, cool red giant star and a small, hot white dwarf star orbiting each other. There is a significant age gap between the two stars, with matter released by the red giant star being drawn into the white dwarf star over time, leading to a detonation and a temporary increase in brightness known as a nova.

The upcoming nova event will be visible to the naked eye for about a week, resembling the sudden appearance of a new star. NASA notes that the explosion may occur during the day or night. This cyclical event, happening approximately every 80 years, is set to occur earlier this time than in the previous cycle, with the last event observed in 1946.

Astronomers suggest that the explosion could occur at any moment.Although an exact date cannot be determined, experts predict that the event is likely to occur in late September. To find the star, which is located in the Corona Borealis constellation, wait for the thermonuclear eruption to make it visible. However, you can still find it using other astronomical methods. Begin by locating the Big Dipper and tracing the curve of its handle. Along this path, you will encounter a notable red star named Arcturus. Then, proceed northeast to find a star named Vega, with the Blaze Star positioned between the two.