Astronomers in Ohio, USA, are eagerly anticipating a rare celestial event involving a binary star system known as T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), located around 3,000 light-years away in the constellation Corona Borealis. This system is expected to undergo a nova explosion sometime between now and September 2024.
The upcoming nova explosion will transform T CrB into a bright spectacle, comparable in luminosity to Polaris, the North Star, for about a week. This astronomical event will be visible to the naked eye from the Northern Hemisphere, creating a stunning display in the night sky.
T CrB is composed of an aging red giant star and a white dwarf companion. The white dwarf feeds on the outer atmosphere of the red giant, resulting in a thermonuclear explosion approximately every 80 years. The last visible nova explosion from T CrB occurred in 1946, making this upcoming event an exceptionally rare and once-in-a-lifetime occurrence.
The nova explosion is triggered by hydrogen accretion from the red giant onto the surface of the white dwarf, leading to a thermonuclear blast that ejects the accreted material. Recurrent nova events like the one expected from T CrB provide valuable insights into the mass transfer process between stars and the mechanisms behind nova eruptions.
Advanced technologies such as gamma-ray imagers and IXPE’s polarization capabilities will be utilized to study binary systems and stellar processes, although the behavior of recurrent novae like T CrB remains unpredictable, with no certainty regarding the exact eruption date. NASA and astronomers worldwide are gearing up to observe and analyze the T CrB nova explosion using ground-based and space-based instruments to gain a deeper understanding of the physical aspects and dynamics of such phenomena.
To stay informed about the T CrB nova event, NASA recommends following updates through social media and email for instant alerts, as this rare celestial event is bound to generate interest and excitement among astronomy enthusiasts and the general public alike. This upcoming spectacle in the night sky promises to captivate stargazers and provide a unique opportunity to witness the wonders of the universe.