Move over, solar eclipse: Scientists predict a once-in-a-lifetime nova explosion in the coming months

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Nasa A nova explosion (Credit: Nasa)Nasa
(Credit: Nasa)


Move over, solar eclipse: Scientists predict a once-in-a-lifetime nova explosion in the coming months
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240322-visible-nova-explosion-is-coming


3 days ago



By Mia Taylor, Features correspondent

The nova T Coronae Borealis explodes about once every 80 years.

While the world's attention has been focused on the total solar eclipse that will occur later this spring, the distant Corona Borealis binary system – which contains one dead white dwarf star and one ageing red giant star – has been busy gearing up for its own moment of glory: a spectacular nova explosion.

Located 3,000 light years from Earth, the Corona Borealis is home to a white dwarf star named T Coronae Borealis (or T CrB for short) that's on the verge of what Nasa says will be a once-in-a-lifetime nova eruption.

The rare cosmic event is expected to take place sometime before September 2024. When it occurs it will likely be visible to the naked eye. No expensive telescope will be needed to witness this cosmic performance, says Nasa.
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How do scientists know when nova explosions will occur?

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There's another sign that T CrB is getting ready to blow also, Cooke says. "We know that before it goes nova it dims for about a year, and T Coronae Borealis started dimming back in March 2023, so that's why we think it's going to go nova between now and the end of September."............................