With the total solar eclipse behind us, we have one more once-in-a-lifetime event to look for in the sky this year.
The star system 3,000 light years away will likely be visible for several days sometime between now and September, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
What is it?
The nova explosion, a time when the star system becomes five times brighter than typical, will happen in the star system T Coronae Borealis. The burst will appear as a “new” star in the constellation Corona Borealis, also known as the Northern Crown, which is a small arc near Bootes and Hercules in the night sky.
Why is it happening?
The burst happens due to the composition of the system, which contains a white dwarf and a red giant star. Increasing temperature and pressure in the red giant makes it shed its outer layers, which collect on the white dwarf. The white dwarf’s heating atmosphere causes a thermonuclear reaction in time, resulting in the nova.
How can I watch it?
It will be visible to the unaided eye for several days and with binoculars for about a week. NASA compared the expected brightness to the North Star’s magnitude.
How rare is it?
The nova explosion only happens about once every 80 years. It last occurred in 1946 and is one of just five recurring novas in our galaxy.
When exactly is it?
A specific date is not predicted yet, so stay tuned. NASA provides updates online at the NASA Universe account on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
