T Coronae Borealis expected to go nova for the first time since 1946
Astronomers are predicting a rare stellar celestial event as T Coronae Borealis, a faint star in the Northern Crown constellation, is expected to explode in a nova next week. This once-in-80-year phenomenon will be visible to the naked eye, offering skywatchers a chance to witness a spectacular cosmic event for the first time since 1946.
A rare cosmic event in the making
T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) is a binary star system that undergoes a dramatic brightening approximately every 80 years. The last recorded explosion occurred in 1946, and recent observations suggest that another is imminent.
Astronomer Franck Marchis of the SETI Institute and co-founder of Unistellar stated in an email that since last September, detailed observations have revealed fluctuations in brightness, indicating the possibility of an impending nova.
“However, as the study is still theoretical, its conclusions remain uncertain,” Marchis cautioned in a statement to Forbes.
The science behind the nova
Located roughly 3,000 light-years away in the Northern Crown constellation, T Coronae Borealis consists of a binary star system featuring a red giant and a white dwarf.
The red giant is in the late stages of its life cycle, expanding and shedding material. Meanwhile, the white dwarf—a stellar remnant that has exhausted its fuel—accumulates material from the red giant over time. Eventually, the buildup triggers a thermonuclear explosion, causing a sudden and dramatic increase in brightness, making the star visible to the naked eye.
When to expect the explosion
According to empirical models, the nova is projected to occur on Thursday, March 27. Once the explosion takes place, the star is expected to reach a brightness comparable to the North Star, ranking as the 48th brightest star in the night sky. The event will remain visible for several nights.
The American Association of Variable Star Observers previously noted a decrease in T CrB’s brightness in March and April of 2023, which was seen as a precursor to an explosion originally expected in April 2024. However, the nova did not occur at that time.
A historical pattern
Records indicate that T CrB has exploded in 1787, 1866, and 1946, making it a well-documented event among astronomers. Its predictability mirrors that of Halley’s Comet, which passes near Earth approximately every 76 years.
An inspiration for future astronomers
Dr. Hounsell, an assistant research scientist specializing in nova events at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, highlighted the significance of this rare event. She noted that it provides a unique opportunity for aspiring astronomers to observe a cosmic phenomenon firsthand, ask questions, and collect valuable data.
For stargazers and scientists alike, the potential explosion of T Coronae Borealis offers a rare and breathtaking glimpse into the dynamic nature of our universe.