A rare astronomical phenomenon is approaching Earth. Scientists predict that the binary star system T Coronae Borealis will explode into a brilliant nova, expected to be visible to the naked eye for a few nights in mid-March.
Located about 3,000 light-years away in the Northern Crown constellation, T CrB consists of two stars: a red giant and a white dwarf. The explosion occurs when the white dwarf accumulates material from the red giant, causing a thermonuclear reaction that increases the star’s brightness dramatically. This event has happened three times before, in 1787, 1866, and 1946.
The nova is predicted to reach a brightness comparable to the North Star, ranking as the 48th brightest star in the night sky. Astronomers have been monitoring the system, and while the exact timing is uncertain, they expect the explosion to occur on March 27. The American Association of Variable Star Observers had previously recorded a decrease in brightness in March and April 2023, but their prediction for an event in April 2024 did not come to pass.
As the study of T CrB is still theoretical, the conclusions remain uncertain. However, this rare phenomenon will be visible for a short time, offering astronomers a unique opportunity to observe a thermonuclear explosion up close.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/a-star-will-explode-on-thursday-heres-how-you-can-see-the-once-in-a-lifetime-celestial-event-happening-after-80-years/articleshow/119463102.cms?from=mdr