Stargazers are waiting for a once-in-a-lifetime show. The binary star system T Coronae Borealis, or TCrB, is expected to go nova, or explode, anytime between now and September. This event will cause the star system, which is normally too faint to see, to brighten dramatically to a magnitude of +2—about the same brightness as the North Star, Polaris. When it brightens, it will be visible to the naked eye.
The TCrB system is located 3,000 light-years from Earth in the Northern Crown constellation. Its last explosion happened in 1946, and these events occur roughly every 80 years. This rare opportunity gives scientists and the public a chance to witness a nova explosion without a telescope.
What is a Nova Explosion?
A nova is not the complete death of a star. It happens in a binary system, where a large, unstable red giant star transfers its outer layers of material to a much smaller, denser white dwarf star. As the white dwarf collects this material, the pressure and heat on its surface build up until a massive thermonuclear reaction occurs. This causes a sudden, bright explosion.
Unlike a supernova, which marks the total destruction of a star, a nova only involves about 5% of the star’s material. The stars in the TCrB system will survive the blast and begin the cycle again, leading to another nova in about 80 years.
Ten such events are expected to happen in the Milky Way galaxy, and the TCrB explosion is one of them.
How to Spot the Nova
When it occurs, the “new star” will be visible in the semicircular constellation Corona Borealis, which is situated between the Hercules and Boötes constellations. The nova is expected to be visible for about five days at this location, offering a viewing window for observers around the world.
- Timing and Location: Since the exact date is unknown, keep an eye on NASA’s updates. When the nova happens, find a spot with a clear view of the sky and away from city lights.
- Equipment: The nova will be bright enough to see with your eyes, but binoculars or a telescope will provide a better view.
- Photography: If you’re a photographer, use a DSLR camera with manual settings and a stable tripod to capture the moment.
Will Our Sun Go Nova or Supernova?
Some people wonder if our own Sun could experience a similar fate. The answer is no. A nova requires a binary star system, a condition our Sun does not meet. A supernova, which is the complete explosion of a star, only happens to stars that are at least eight times more massive than our Sun.
Our Sun will follow a different, quieter path. It will expand into a red giant and then shed its outer layers, becoming a planetary nebula before finally settling into a white dwarf.
The TCrB nova is a special event that gives scientists valuable insights into the dynamics of binary star systems and the processes that power these explosions. Don’t miss this opportunity to see a cosmic event that has been building for 80 years.