A rare celestial event is about to unfold as T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), also known as the “Blaze Star,” is expected to erupt into a nova, making it visible to the naked eye for several weeks. While many people will be taken in by sensationalized headlines, those who do their homework and venture outside can experience this once-in-a-lifetime event.
T Coronae Borealis is a binary star system that explodes every 80 years, with the last occurrence happening in 1946. The “Blaze Star” is what astronomers call a recurrent nova, triggered by a thermonuclear explosion in the white dwarf of the system.
The expected date of the eruption is uncertain but falls within a narrow time frame, with predictions pointing to March 27 or November 10 in 2025, June 25, 2026, or February 8, 2027. To witness this event, follow these steps:
1. Go outside at 10 p.m. on the predicted day.
2. Find the Big Dipper high in the northwestern sky and follow its handle to Arcturus.
3. Trace a line from Arcturus down to Vega, a bright star near the northeastern horizon.
4. Locate Corona Borealis, a small crescent of seven stars between Hercules and Boötes.
When T Coronae Borealis goes nova, it is expected to reach an apparent magnitude of +2, making it visible to the naked eye for several days. Familiarize yourself with the constellation Corona Borealis beforehand, and you’ll be able to appreciate the significance of this rare event.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2025/03/27/blaze-star-how-to-prepare-for-the-biggest-sky-event-for-79-years