Astronomers Predict Spectacular Celestial Event
A celestial dance between two stars around 3,000 light years away is set to create a dazzling outburst visible to the naked eye for several days, according to astronomers.
The Phenomenon of T Coronae Borealis
The T Coronae Borealis system will undergo a rare explosion, resembling a new star shining brightly in the night sky before gradually fading away for another 80 years.
Understanding the Nova Event
Dr. Daniel Brown, an associate professor in astronomy at Nottingham Trent University, explains that this celestial event, known as a nova, involves a rapid increase in a star’s brightness. The system consists of a binary pair of stars orbiting each other.
The Special Characteristics of T Coronae Borealis
The more massive star in the pair is a white dwarf, while its companion is an aging red giant that transfers material onto the white dwarf. Every 80 years, the white dwarf undergoes a thermonuclear explosion, significantly boosting its brightness.
The Brightness Surge
During the upcoming explosion, T Coronae Borealis will shine as brightly as 2mag, making it easily visible to the naked eye, even in light-polluted skies. It will briefly become the brightest star in the Corona Borealis constellation.
Observing the Phenomenon
As the event unfolds, T Coronae Borealis will be observable in the night sky, particularly in the UK. Prof. Brown suggests using binoculars to track the brightening of the star and its subsequent dimming over several days.
Spotting Corona Borealis
The constellation of Corona Borealis can be located by following the Plough’s handle down towards the star Arcturus in the Bootes constellation. Prof. Brown provides guidance on identifying the U-shaped arc of Corona Borealis in the night sky.